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.
The Power of Music Therapy: A Neuroaffirming Approach
Music therapy is a powerful tool for children and adults with neurodivergent diagnoses. As a board-certified music therapist with 14 years of experience, I've seen firsthand how music can be used to address non-musical goals in various areas such as sensory processing, communication, motor skills, cognitive development, and emotional regulation. But what exactly is music therapy, and how can it help?
What is Music Therapy?
At its core, music therapy uses music as a means to achieve therapeutic goals. It's not just about listening to music; it's about actively engaging with it in ways that help individuals work through challenges. To become a board-certified music therapist, a professional must complete a specialized degree, undergo an internship, pass a certification exam, and maintain ongoing education. This ensures that the therapist has the expertise to tailor sessions effectively to the individual's needs.
Common Misunderstandings
Despite its growing popularity, there are several misconceptions about music therapy:
It's not interactive: Many people think music therapy is simply about listening to music. While listening can be part of the process, therapy is highly interactive and client-driven. For example, some clients may engage in live music-making, play instruments, or create their own songs.
It only uses one type of music: Contrary to the belief that music therapy is all about classical tunes, therapists use a wide range of music genres—pop, rock, country, and even children’s songs like Baby Shark—depending on the client’s preferences. This ensures that the therapy is tailored to the individual and helps build trust and connection.
A Typical Session
A music therapy session typically starts with a "hello" song or activity, but this can be adjusted if a client has anxiety about starting that way. After the greeting, the session may include a variety of interventions like:
Playing instruments or using technology (like GarageBand)
Writing or composing songs
Lyric analysis (discussing songs' meaning)
Musical games
The session wraps up with a "goodbye" song, providing closure.
Real Success Stories
While it’s important to understand that music therapy doesn’t work overnight, there are many success stories that demonstrate its effectiveness. One of my clients struggled with social skills and understanding emotions. Through music therapy, he learned to associate different emotions with musical improvisation, improving his social interactions and ability to make friends. A few months later, he proudly shared, "I have a friend!" It was one of the best days of my career!
Is Music Therapy Right for Your Child?
Music therapy offers a personalized, client-driven approach to improving various skills, but it's not a quick fix. It requires patience and consistency, and the process may take time. If you’re unsure whether music therapy might be right for your child, consider scheduling a consultation with a board-certified music therapist. Even if you're not based in Idaho, many therapists are available globally, and a consultation can help you find the right fit.
For more information on music therapy, listen to episode 92 of the Every Brain is Different podcast.
