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 Mental Load of Moms: Why Delegation Isn’t Enough
If you’re like me, raising a neurodivergent child, you know what the mental load feels like. It’s the invisible checklist running through your head 24/7: doctor appointments, therapy sessions, IEP meetings, after-school activities, what your child will actually eat for breakfast, and whether tomorrow is pajama day at school.
Moms of autistic and ADHD kids often carry more than just logistics; they carry the emotional labor of anticipating meltdowns, planning transitions, and staying regulated themselves while supporting their child’s regulation. That constant mental juggling can lead straight to burnout.
On the Every Brain is Different podcast, Lauren and I talked about how to shift the mental load in a way that actually makes a difference.
It’s not about “delegating.” It’s about ownership.
Why Delegation Doesn’t Work for Moms
You’ve probably heard someone say: “Let me know how I can help.”
And you probably smiled and said thanks, while thinking it’s easier to just do it yourself. Explaining takes time, and the way someone else does it might drive you crazy (looking at you, dishwasher debates).
The problem is that delegation still leaves the responsibility in your brain. You’re the one reminding, checking, and carrying the task. True relief comes when you give ownership of a responsibility to someone else, so it’s no longer on your mental to-do list.
Four Steps to Share the Mental Load
Here’s the process we recommend for moms raising neurodivergent kids who want to prevent burnout:
1. Name the lanes.
Divide responsibilities into four categories:
Medical and therapy appointments
School and activities
Home operations
Emotional labor (birthdays, thank-yous, favorite routines, etc.)
List every task you manage in each lane, even the small ones. That’s part of the mental load.
2. Assign owners, not helpers.
Instead of asking your partner to “help,” assign ownership. For example, they fully own “school and activities” from paying fees to updating the family calendar. Ownership means you no longer think about it.
3. Define done.
Clarity prevents micromanaging. “Backpack ready” might mean: water bottle filled, homework inside, headphones in the front pocket, and at the door by 8 pm. Define exactly what “done” looks like.
4. Make it visible.
Use a fridge checklist, shared notes app, or family calendar. Visibility keeps tasks on track without you having to remind anyone.
Involving Kids in Sharing the Load
Teaching kids responsibility is part of reducing your mental load, too. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s contribution.
Preschoolers: put toys in a basket, carry napkins, or match socks.
Elementary kids: pack their backpack using a picture checklist, lay out clothes, and unload the dishwasher.
Tweens & teens: run one weekly laundry cycle, manage their own sports bag, plan a simple meal.
For neurodivergent kids, remember that support matters: scaffolding, visuals, and patience go a long way. Celebrate effort over perfection.
Preventing Burnout for Moms
Remember, burnout is not a personal failure. It simply means the demands are outweighing the resources you have. Sharing the mental load, by shifting ownership, not just delegating, frees up your mental space and helps you show up calmer, more regulated, and more connected with your kids.
Listen to episode 132 of the Every Brain is Different podcast for practical scripts you can use with your partner, your kids, and even friends who want to support you.
