All Things Sensory by Harkla

In this episode, we dive deep into a critical question for therapists and caregivers: should we accommodate or desensitize? Sensory processing challenges can significantly impact a child’s daily life, and understanding when to offer accommodations and when to gently push for desensitization is key to promoting independence and improving quality of life. Through real-life examples, we'll explore how these strategies work together to help children navigate their sensory world, from a variety of environments to everyday activities like dressing and playing. Plus, we’ll share practical tips for therapists and caregivers to develop personalized plans that promote both immediate comfort and long-term resilience. Create personalized sensory diets that work! https://harkla.co/products/sensory-diet-course LINKS We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3  All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram  Harkla YouTube Channel Harkla Website - Shop Sensory Products! Harkla Instagram The Just Right Challenge for Sensory Activities  How to Know if Your OT is Right For You

Many many years ago, we created a 30 day challenge - it was our 30 Day Multi-Sensory Challenge - and it included 30 activities with the metronome. Our goal was to give parents and therapists a variety of multi-sensory activities to help with processing speed, auditory processing, motor coordination, ocular motor development, bilateral coordination, and more! We recently decided that this challenge needed an upgrade, so we created an entirely new program based on the 30 day challenge and it’s FINALLY ready for you!  Introducing - A Balanced Brain: A Multi-Sensory Program for Learning and Focus https://harkla.co/products/balanced-brain We also share 3 of our favorite activities from the program!  LINKS Check out all of our digital courses! https://harkla.co/collections/courses We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3  All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram  Harkla YouTube Channel Harkla Website - Shop Sensory Products! Harkla Instagram

Check out our new program! https://harkla.co/products/balanced-brain In this episode, we explore the powerful connection between dyslexia and multi-sensory learning strategies. From understanding the neurological challenges dyslexia presents, to discovering how engaging multiple senses can significantly improve reading and writing skills, we dive deep into the science of learning. We also introduce our new program, A Balanced Brain: A Multi-Sensory Program for Learning and Focus, designed to help children, teens, and adults overcome learning difficulties and unlock their full potential. LINKS We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3  All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram  Harkla YouTube Channel Harkla Website - Shop Sensory Products! Harkla Instagram What is Dyslexia? https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/179-what-is-dyslexia?_pos=2&_sid=74dc1a6a2&_ss=r How to Build Literacy Skills https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/297-how-to-build-literacy-skills-and-a-love-for-reading?_pos=3&_sid=74dc1a6a2&_ss=r Lori Benson Adams - Sensational Brain Courses https://sensationalbrain.com/ceu/on-demand-webinars/?_speaker=lori-benson-adams-med Research: Rhythmic processing in children with developmental dyslexia: Auditory and motor rhythms link to reading and spelling Research: Auditory and motor rhythm awareness in adults with dyslexia Research: Rhythm discrimination and metronome tapping in 4-year-old children at risk for developmental dyslexia Research: Improving reading abilities in dyslexia with neurofeedback and multi-sensory learning Research: Effect of Multi-Sensory Intervention Programmes on Fluid Reading Abilities of Dyslexic Children in Primary Schools in Anambra State

LIVE Free Webinar on Jan. 20! Sign up here: https://harkla.co/pages/balanced-brain-webinar-registration In this episode, we dive into the connection between sensory processing and executive function. We begin by defining sensory processing and its vital role in our daily lives. From the basic five senses of touch, taste, sight, sound, and smell, to the more complex senses of vestibular, proprioception, and interoception, we explore how each sense helps us navigate the world and regulate our physical and emotional responses. Next, we define executive function and its core components. We explain how these skills are essential for tasks like planning, organizing, decision-making, and self-regulation. We examine how difficulties with sensory processing—whether it’s over-responsiveness, under-responsiveness, or sensory-seeking behaviors—can disrupt focus, attention, impulse control, and emotional regulation. These challenges can make it harder to plan, organize, and complete tasks, impacting children and adults both at school, work, and in social settings. Finally we share practical tips for supporting individuals with sensory processing difficulties in improving executive function. Learn how creating sensory-friendly environments, offering sensory breaks, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and incorporating calming sensory activities can help regulate emotions and enhance self-control.  LINKS We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3  All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram  Harkla YouTube Channel Harkla Website - Shop Sensory Products! Harkla Instagram The Ultimate Guide to Sensory Processing Disorder The Pyramid of Learning Executive Function Skills Sensory Diet Digital Course

Should SLPs use sensory strategies during their sessions? That’s the question we’re discussing in this podcast episode! We dive into making sure we stay within our scope of practice when using different tools, how SLPs and other professionals can use movement and sensory activities with their clients, and some specific activity ideas that we know will help your clients, no matter what area you’re working in!  LINKS We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3  All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram  Harkla YouTube Channel Harkla Website - Shop Sensory Products! Harkla Instagram Easy Ways to Incorporate Speech into Play Helping an SLP Implement Sensory Strategies  Speech Therapy and Beyond 

In this episode, we’re not going to talk about how to improve letter formation, placement on the line, or size. Instead, we’re going to focus on how to improve the underlying skills required for handwriting, including postural control, strength, dexterity, visual tracking, and more! We also chat about primitive reflexes and give you some specific ideas to help build hand strength!  LINKS We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3  All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram  Harkla YouTube Channel Harkla Website - Shop Sensory Products! Harkla Instagram 10 Hacks for Handwriting What are Preparatory Activities? Assess Ocular Motor Skills Assess 6 Primitive Reflexes  Fine Motor Skills Activity Course

We talk a lot about using visual schedules to help children with routines, sensory diets, transitions, and more. But if you’ve never created and used a visual schedule with a child, how do you get started? We break it down step-by-step, starting with identifying the specific routine or activities you want to add to a visual schedule. We dive into different types of visual schedules and how to choose the right one for your child, how to make it easily accessible, and how to create a system so your child enjoys using their visual schedule!  LINKS Free Visual Schedule Template We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3  All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram  Harkla YouTube Channel Harkla Website - Shop Sensory Products! Harkla Instagram Sensory Diet Digital Course Creating the Most Effective Visual Supports

Save 20% on our digital courses through December 23rd, 2024! https://harkla.co/pages/digital-courses-holiday-sale We are diving into the variety of benefits that can be gained from using proprioception - heavy work activities, specifically as it relates to anxiety and adults! Proprioception is typically calming to the nervous system and we dive into the reasons why - including how heavy work is grounding, how these activities can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, and more. Then we share our favorite heavy work activities that we use and the ones that we recommend! We talk about going on a walk, doing yoga, gardening, and more!  LINKS We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3  All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram  Harkla YouTube Channel Harkla Website - Shop Sensory Products! Harkla Instagram What is Sensory Overload? Sensory Overload in Adults 

Save 20% on our digital courses through December 23rd, 2024! https://harkla.co/pages/digital-courses-holiday-sale We get this question all the time! “Why is my child bouncing off the walls before bed?!” In this episode, we’re going to break down the WHY - why is your child bouncing off the walls before bed? Is it due to sensory seeking tendencies or is there something else going on? Then we dive into tips and strategies that you can use during the day and right before bedtime! We talk about changing the lighting in the house, going outside, how to use proprioceptive input, why a visual schedule might be helpful, and more!  LINKS We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3  All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram  Harkla YouTube Channel Harkla Website - Shop Sensory Products! Harkla Instagram What it Means to Meet the Sensory Threshold Tips and Tricks for Your Sensory Seeking Child

Shop our Holiday Sale! https://harkla.co/pages/holiday-sale This episode is all about sensory processing, sensory integration, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). We dive into the 8 sensory systems, why SPD is not a recognized diagnosis, sensory meltdowns, and how SPD can affect daily life. Share this episode with a friend who is new to the ‘sensory world’!  LINKS We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3  All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram  Harkla YouTube Channel Harkla Website - Shop Sensory Products! Harkla Instagram Research Article  8 Myths About Sensory Processing Disorder  Does Everybody Have Sensory Quirks? Improving Focus and Behavior in the Classroom - Digital Course  Disciplining a Sensory Kiddo