Harmony in
Neurodiversity
THE BLOG
Welcome to Harmony in Neurodiversity, a blog dedicated to exploring the profound impact of music and positive parenting strategies on the lives of neurodivergent individuals. Join Samantha, a board-certified Neurologic Music Therapy fellow and a passionate Positive Discipline Parent Educator, as she shares her expertise in leveraging the power of music and effective parenting approaches to support and empower neurodiverse communities.
In her blog posts, Samantha delves into the intricate connections between music and the brain. She explores how specific musical elements and interventions can enhance cognitive functions, regulate emotions, improve communication, and promote social interaction among neurodivergent individuals. Through insightful articles and case studies, she demonstrates how rhythm, melody, and lyrics can serve as powerful tools for therapeutic interventions, fostering growth and self-expression.
Positive Discipline Parenting Strategies:
Drawing from her expertise as a Positive Discipline Parent Educator, Samantha sheds light on nurturing positive relationships between parents and neurodivergent children. Her blog offers practical advice, evidence-based strategies, and real-life anecdotes that empower parents and caregivers to cultivate respectful, encouraging, and effective parenting techniques. From setting clear boundaries to fostering a supportive environment, Samantha guides readers in navigating the challenges and joys of parenting neurodiverse children.
Exploring Intersectionality:
Samantha doesn't limit her discussions to singular approaches. Instead, she delves into the intersectionality of Neurologic Music Therapy and Positive Discipline Parenting, illustrating how these methodologies complement each other. Through her insightful content, she showcases how the harmonious integration of music-based interventions and positive parenting strategies can create holistic support systems for neurodivergent individuals, promoting their well-being and personal growth.
Community Engagement and Resources:
Additionally, Samantha fosters a vibrant online community where readers can engage, share experiences, and seek advice. She curates a wealth of resources, including recommended readings, workshops, and practical tools, empowering her audience to implement valuable insights into their lives effectively.
Trusting Yourself: What One Parent’s Journey Can Teach Us About Raising a Neurodivergent Child
When you're raising a neurodivergent child, the pressure to get everything “right” can be overwhelming. From therapy recommendations to diagnosis labels to school placements, it feels like every decision could make or break your child’s future. In Episode 114 of Every Brain Is Different, we spoke with Robert Delena, author, parent, and fierce advocate for his son Ryan, about what it means to trust yourself as a parent.
Here’s what we can all learn from their story.
Diagnosis Isn’t Destiny
Ryan was diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorder at a young age. The label came quickly, and the interventions followed just as fast: therapeutic schools, restraints, medication. Professionals told Robert and his wife that their son would never live independently, hold a job, or even go on a date without specific therapies.
They trusted the experts. Because that’s what they thought they were supposed to do.
Over time, it became clear that the system didn’t understand Ryan the way his parents did. Robert began to question everything. Was Ryan truly who the system said he was? Or were they trying to force him into a mold that didn’t fit?
Trust That You Know Your Child Best
The moment things began to shift was when Robert took Ryan skiing on a whim. What had been a “let’s just get out of the house” day turned into a life-changing moment.
Ryan thrived on the mountain. He was calm. Confident. Regulated. Suddenly, all the behaviors that were labeled “problems” made sense. Ryan was a risk taker, and skiing gave him a place to channel that energy in a productive, joyful way.
It wasn’t a miracle cure. It was simply the right environment for him.
Interests Aren’t Just Hobbies, They’re Lifelines
Skiing didn’t just help Ryan get through tough weekends. It became his passion, his identity, and eventually his career. Today, he’s a certified climbing guide, a ski expert, and a YouTuber with a growing audience.
Finding something your child loves can be transformational. Not just because it helps with regulation or behavior, but because it reminds your child (and you) that they have something special to offer the world.
You’re Going to Mess Up and That’s Okay
Robert was honest about the guilt he still carries and about the decisions he wishes he could undo. But what stood out most was that he never gave up trying. He stayed curious. He kept looking for what worked.
Trusting yourself doesn’t mean you’ll never make mistakes. It means you’ll keep showing up, keep listening, and keep trying because no one knows your child like you do.
For more strategies from Robert, listen to episode 114 of the Every Brain is Different podcast.
