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.
ARFID: More Than Just Picky Eating
If your autistic child is anything like mine, you’ve probably dealt with food struggles. Maybe your child only eats a handful of “safe” foods, avoids entire food groups, or would rather skip a meal than try something new. While some people may call it picky eating, it could be something more: ARFID.
What Is ARFID?
ARFID stands for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. Unlike other eating disorders, it’s not about body image or weight. Kids with ARFID aren’t worried about being “fat.” Instead, eating feels overwhelming, scary, or even impossible.
When a child has ARFID, avoiding food can cause challenges with growth, nutrition, and emotional health. It’s not just stubbornness. It’s a legitimate disorder that deserves understanding.
Why It Happens
ARFID often shows up in kids with autism or ADHD because their brains process sensory input differently. A few common reasons include:
Sensory sensitivities: textures, smells, or even how food looks can be unbearable.
Past negative experiences: choking or throwing up once can make a child fear that food forever.
Body signals: some kids struggle to notice when they’re hungry or full.
Anxiety: just the thought of trying something new can feel paralyzing.
It’s no wonder that processed foods feel safer. A potato chip is the same every time. But a blueberry always seems to be different. One day it’s sweet, the next it’s sour. That unpredictability makes fresh foods tough for many kids.
Busting the Myths
If you’ve heard unhelpful advice about your child’s eating, you’re not alone. Some common myths about ARFID include:
“They’ll grow out of it.” → Not always.
“They’re just picky.” → This goes way beyond picky eating.
“It’s bad parenting.” → ARFID is not caused by parenting.
These myths only add guilt and judgment for parents who are already carrying a lot.
How It Affects Families
ARFID doesn’t just impact one child. It can affect the entire family. Mealtimes may feel like constant negotiations. Parents may feel stressed or judged. Siblings may feel frustrated when rules seem different for them.
If this sounds familiar, know that you are not failing as a parent. You’re navigating a legitimate eating disorder, and you’re not alone.
Finding Support
The good news is that there are supports that can help:
Feeding therapy through occupational or speech therapists
Dietitians who understand ARFID and nutrition needs
Mental health providers who can help kids with anxiety
At-home strategies like modeling eating different foods, reducing pressure at mealtimes, and celebrating small steps
Progress won’t happen overnight, and it won’t always be linear. With time, patience, and the right support, kids with ARFID can build a healthier relationship with food.
If you’re walking through food struggles with your child, you don’t have to do it alone. Inside the Neurodivergent Parenting Community, you’ll find other parents who get it, along with resources and support to help you navigate challenges like ARFID with more confidence and less stress.
