As any parent of a child with autism knows, the road from diagnosis to acceptance can be an intense, isolating and emotionally tumultuous journey.
That’s why last fall, Khara Lord decided to try to make that path a little sweeter by starting Strawberry Road — a musical space celebrating autism, special needs and the joy of inclusion.
“It’s like a modern day Mr. Rogers-meets-Danny GO!,” Lord says. “We’re trying to love on these families and spread awareness while we’re doing it.”
Brittainy Taylor (left ) and Khara Lord (right ) make up the musical duo, Strawberry Road.
Lord — who was quietly working on this idea since her son, Rhodes, was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) seven years ago — paired her love and background of music to create educational songs just for autistic families seeking movement and body regulation.
“When my son was diagnosed with autism, everything came to a halt,” Lord explains. We had no clue what to do. They told us he may never talk, he may never live on his own, etc. It was terrifying, and so lonely. I had no support. No community.”
That’s when the idea hit her like a strawberry-shaped brick.
“In those early days, I’d say to myself, ‘if I can ever get to a point where my son is thriving — even a little bit, even if he’s just saying 10 words — I will find a way to give back to this community.”
And so she did. The duo — completed by Brittainy Taylor, Lord’s friend, business partner and a fellow mom — now don trademark matching overalls to perform songs like, “The Stimmy Shimmy,” “The Headphone Song,” “Oceans are Emotions” and “My Brian is Beautiful.”
“The songs started pouring out of me,” says Lord, “all of them about celebrating differences and inclusion for both neurodivergent and neurotypical kids.”
Now, Strawberry Road has an active Instagram (@heystrawberryroad), an album on Spotify, a budding Youtube channel and in-person “Sensory Sing-alongs” scheduled at various local spots.
Lord has wisdom to share, too.
“You think that it’s hopeless,” she says. “You think that you’re in this alone, but you’re not. Let Strawberry Road be the road that helps guide you. Let us show you that you can go through really hard times and still get through it, and there are so many wonderful things on the horizon.”
Lord’s son, Rhodes — the inspiration behind Strawberry Road — is now flourishing compared to where he started. He uses eye contact and is minimally verbal.
“I never thought my son would be doing well with how he started,” she says. “ So remember, it’s not hopeless. And the road does not to be travelled alone.”
Join in with Strawberry Road at upcoming Sensory Sing-alongs:
April 7 | 4 – 5 p.m.
Move Inclusive Dance (1113 Murfreesboro Road Ste 404, Franklin)
April 11 | 11 a.m.
We Rock The Spectrum (1113 Murfreesboro Road, Unit 203, Franklin)
