The Sound of Inclusion: Neurodiversity and Music Therapy with Samantha Foote
Welcome to another inspiring episode of Advancing With Amy / Mental Health Warrior & Neurospicy Mama. In this episode, Amy sits down with Samantha Foote, a board-certified music therapist, positive discipline parent educator, and registered music together teacher.
---
**Episode Highlights:**
**Meet Samantha Foote**
*Samantha’s Education and Career*
- Samantha holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Utah State University and a Master of Music with a specialization in music therapy from Colorado State University.
- She is a neurological music therapy fellow and a dialectical behavior therapy-informed music therapist.
- When she's not working, she enjoys outdoor adventures with her husband and children.
*Life with Neurodivergent Children*
- Samantha shares the journey of raising three children, all diagnosed with autism and ADHD.
- She describes the challenges and triumphs of managing various therapies and medical appointments.
- Samantha recounts a particularly scary moment when her son had a seizure, leading to an epilepsy diagnosis, and discusses how medication has been a blessing.
*The Transformative Power of Music Therapy*
- Samantha explains what music therapy entails and provides examples of activities used to enhance cognitive skills and communication.
- She shares heartwarming stories about the progress of her non-speaking clients through music.
*Celebrating Neurodiversity*
- Samantha hosts a podcast called "Every Brain is Different," where she shares parenting strategies and resources for the neurodivergent community.
- The podcast aims to support both parents and individuals by discussing ADHD, autism, and other neurodivergent conditions.
---
**Key Takeaways:**
1. **Importance of Proper Diagnosis:**
- Samantha emphasizes the need for proper evaluation and diagnosis to access essential resources and support for neurodivergent children.
- She advises seeking specialist assessments rather than relying solely on pediatrician recommendations.
2. **The Katie Beckett Program:**
- Samantha provides valuable information about the Katie Beckett program, which offers Medicaid benefits regardless of income for children with severe diagnoses.
- She discusses additional waivers, such as Family Direct and Self Direct, which cover non-traditional therapies.
3. **Parenting Neurodivergent Children:**
- Samantha shares her experiences and strategies for connecting with and supporting neurodivergent children.
- She underscores the importance of understanding and responding to communication through behavior.
---
**Resources:**
- Listen to Samantha's podcast, "Every Brain is Different," on all major platforms.
- Visit Samantha’s website, (http://boisemusictherapycompany.com), for resources on obtaining a diagnosis, increasing parent-child connection, and understanding neurodivergent terminology.
---
**Final Thoug
Get a free WHO AM I Journal to learn more about yourself: https://advancingwithamy.com
Sign up for Amy's newsletter at https://www.advancingwithamy.com/about
Support the show here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2434582/supporters/new
WE NEED YOU!
Want to be a guest on Mental Health Warrior & Neurospicy Mama? Send Amy Taylor a message on PodMatch, here:
https://www.joinpodmatch.com/advancingwithamy
