The Sound of Inclusion: Neurodiversity and Music Therapy with Samantha Foote

Advancing With Amy / Mental Health Warrior & Neurospicy Mama

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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.

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**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.

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**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.

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**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.

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**Final Thoughts:**

We hope you enjoyed this episode with Samantha Foote. Her insights and experiences provide valuable guidance for parents navigating the complexities of raising neurodivergent children. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on Advancing With Amy / Mental Health Warrior & Neurospicy Mama!

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