Beyond the Notes: Music as a Bridge to Connection

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Finding Hope on the Spectrum

Brooke Wagner

32 episodes

1 day ago

Are you worried about your autistic son's or daughter's future and quality of life? Do you want to feel empowered to be the intuitive parent you know you are? Or are you a curious professional, seeking to learn and discover how to best reach your autistic clients? I invite you to join our community of growth seeking individuals as we connect, share and support each other. This show will feature heart to heart conversations with parents, professionals, and autistic individuals sharing personal insight and life experiences. We will dive deep into supports, programs, and stories that inspire us.

Mental Health

Health & Fitness

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All content for Finding Hope on the Spectrum is the property of Brooke Wagner and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

Mental Health

Health & Fitness

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Beyond the Notes: Music as a Bridge to Connection

Finding Hope on the Spectrum

1 hour 4 minutes 54 seconds

1 week ago

Beyond the Notes: Music as a Bridge to Connection

In this heart-opening episode of Finding Hope on the Spectrum, host Brooke sits down with Michelle Hardy, a board-certified music therapist and spelling-to-communicate practitioner with over 25 years of experience supporting individuals with autism. Michelle shares how music becomes more than melody—it becomes movement, connection, and voice. Through rhythm and relationship, she shows how music therapy can unlock non-musical skills like communication, regulation, and confidence. Together, they explore the power of whole-body learning, sensory awareness, and the importance of presuming competence in every child. Michelle also opens up about her own journey into music therapy and offers insight on finding practitioners who truly understand the neurodevelopmental experience of autism. This episode is a reminder that when we listen with our hearts—and not just our ears—music has the power to connect us beyond words.

00:00 Introduction to Functional Skills Through Music

01:28 Welcome to Finding Hope on the Spectrum

02:19 Introducing Michelle Hardy

03:17 Michelle's Journey into Music Therapy

05:39 Discovering the Power of Rhythm in Autism

08:39 Spelling to Communicate: An Overview

15:12 Understanding Whole Body Apraxia

29:29 The Role of Sensory Processing in Autism

35:04 A Chance Encounter on the Airport Shuttle

35:59 Facing the Thesis Defense

37:58 Introduction to Body Coaching

40:09 Breaking Down Motor Plans

46:42 Understanding Stuck Loops

53:01 The Importance of Sensory Accommodations

57:26 Final Thoughts on Apraxia and Music Therapy

01:01:19 Resources and Mentorship for Music Therapists

Connect with Finding Hope on the Spectrum:

Email: bwagner@findinghopeonthespectrum.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574918739411

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-wagner-4819233a/

Instagram: @findinghopeonthespectrum

TikTok: Findinghopeonthespectrum

Guest Contact: https://hardyautismservices.com/