All Things Sensory by Harkla
Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, AC & Jessica Hill, COTA/L
Rachel Harrington and Jessica Hill, are two passionate Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants who answer your questions related to all things sensory, occupational therapy, parenting, self-care, nutrition, and health, from a therapist’s perspective. Providing raw, honest, fun ideas, and strategies, for parents and families to implement into daily life. Great for those who work with children with sensory processing disorder, special needs, autism, and ADHD. This podcast is brought to you by Harkla. At Harkla, our goal is to help those with special needs live happy and healthy lives.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 20, 2023 • 19min
#274 - Our 5 Favorite Scooter Board Activities
The scooter board is a common therapeutic tool used in just about every clinic and school. It’s a simple, effective tool that targets a ton of underlying skills. Because it’s one of our favorite pieces of equipment to use in a treatment session, we decided to dedicate an entire episode to it! We are giving you 5 fun, therapeutic activities using a scooter board that you should try including into your next treatment session! Be sure to modify as needed to meet your client’s needs! Parents! Thi...
Sep 13, 2023 • 19min
#273 - Helping an SLP Implement Sensory Strategies into Speech Sessions
This episode is perfect for any therapist working with children, not just SLPs! Adding sensory into a treatment session does not have to be difficult. In fact, it can be fairly simple and so effective! Sensory activities help a child meet their sensory needs and feel more regulated, which in turn helps with cognitive development!We dive into HOW to identify a child’s sensory preferences, different sensory circuits to include into the treatment plan, and a variety of free resources to learn mo...
Sep 6, 2023 • 27min
#272 - Developing a Sensory-Based Treatment Session
In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of sensory-based treatment sessions. Join us as we explore the concept of sensory integration and how it can be incorporated into various therapeutic interventions. Whether you're a therapist, educator, or simply curious about the power of sensory experiences, this episode will provide valuable insights and practical tips for developing effective sensory-based treatment sessions.Make sure to check out all of our links below! Skylight Calenda...
Aug 30, 2023 • 23min
#271 - Strategies for Teens Who Self-Harm
Today’s episode is a brainstorming session in response to a listener question. We talk about different forms of therapy, different strategies for the family at home, as well as tips and tricks for therapists who work with teens who might be struggling with depression and self harm.Make sure to check out all of our links below! We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form -> https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 Looking for more in-depth help? Sign up for 2-on-1 M...
Aug 23, 2023 • 49min
#270 - Creating a Regulated Classroom Starts with YOU!
Check out our digital course - Improving Focus and Behavior in the Classroom! Emily Read Daniels is author and creator of The Regulated Classroom©, a former school counselor, and a proud soccer mum. Daniels is an internationally recognized trauma specialist and trainer in the trauma-informed schools movement and has served thousands through in-person and virtual professional development training, workshops, conferences, webinars, and keynote addresses. Daniels and her work have been featured ...
Aug 16, 2023 • 24min
#269 - What Are Primitive Reflexes + FREE Screening Checklist!
Learn about the significance of primitive reflexes and how they impact motor and cognitive skills. Discover the importance of reflex integration and how to identify retained primitive reflexes. Explore the content of the course on primitive reflexes, including personalized responses and progress tracking. Find out the benefits of the course and get a discount on sensory products at Harkla.
Aug 9, 2023 • 23min
#268 - Sensory Integration with Visual Impairments
Welcome to another All Things Sensory by Harkla podcast episode! In today’s episode, we discuss the challenges faced by children with visual impairments and how sensory integration therapy can be beneficial.Studies have shown that children with visual impairments are at a higher risk of experiencing sensory processing difficulties. Sensory integration therapy has been found to be effective in helping children with visual impairments navigate their environment and improve their overall sensory...
Aug 2, 2023 • 46min
#267 - A Unique Model of Private Practice with Lauren Grabowski, MS, OTR/L
After discovering occupational therapy when she was 10 years old, Lauren Grabowski knew that was the path for her, earning a Bachelor of Health Science in 2013 and continuing on to earn a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2014 from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She began her career at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, then transitioned to traveling therapy a few years later, working in a variety of settings. She has now built her private practice working pr...
Jul 26, 2023 • 55min
#266 - Gestalt Language Processing with Jacquelyn Vorndran, MA, CCC-SLP
Jacquelyn Vorndran is a nature-based pediatric speech language therapist located in Durham, North Carolina. Her practice is entitled "Brave Roots Speech Therapy" and she is so grateful to be able to operate this practice and grow it in a way that feels intentional, respectful and individualized. The opportunity to witness a child's wonder and joy in nature is one of the best ways she’s been able to maintain perspective on what really matters in this life! These children and families teach her...
Jul 19, 2023 • 30min
#265 - 5 Alternatives to Screen Time + Routine Ideas for Summer
Summer brings a change in routine and often that includes a lack of structure. This can cause anxiety and challenges with emotional regulation.If this is the challenge you’re facing, this episode is for YOU!We dive into some strategies for managing routines during summer - including some resources we’ve created for you! - as well as some ideas for managing screen time during the crazy summer months. Summer Sensory Guide - on Sale through August 2023Fine Motor Activity CourseGross Motor A...
