

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

Jan 22, 2025 • 21min
#344 - The Connection Between Multi-Sensory Processing and Dyslexia
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

Jan 15, 2025 • 21min
#343 - How Sensory Processing Affects Executive Function
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

Jan 8, 2025 • 20min
#342 - How to Use Movement and Sensory Activities to Promote Communication When You’re Not an OT
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

Jan 1, 2025 • 15min
#341 - Five OT Tips to Improve Handwriting!
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

Dec 25, 2024 • 22min
#340 - Visual Schedules Made Simple: A Step-by-Step Approach
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

Dec 18, 2024 • 20min
#339 - How Heavy Work Activities Can Help With Anxiety
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

Dec 11, 2024 • 22min
#338 - Why is My Kid Bouncing Off the Walls Before They Go to Bed and What to do About it?!
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

Dec 4, 2024 • 22min
#337 - 12 Things You Need to Know About Sensory Integration
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

Nov 27, 2024 • 26min
#336 - Sensory Products for Sensory Seekers and Sensory Avoiders: Holiday Edition
Shop our BIGGEST sale of the year! https://harkla.co/pages/black-friday-cyber-monday
In this episode, we are breaking down what it means for someone to be a “sensory seeker” and what it means for someone to be a “sensory avoider.” Then we talk about our favorite sensory products for both including the Harkla Compression Swing, lycra tunnels, weighted medicine balls, therapy/yoga balls, a crash pad, 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
5 Activities for a Sensory Seeker
5 Tips for a Sensory Avoider
Supporting Mixed Sensory Needs
10 Activities with a Yoga Ball
Tunnels (Amazon)
Medicine Balls
Rebounder Trampolines (Amazon)
Platform Swings (Amazon)
Therapy Balls (Amazon)
Pop Up Tents (Amazon)
Vibrating Pillow
Giant Bean Bag
SPEKS Adult Fidgets

Nov 20, 2024 • 23min
#335 - Listener Question: Tips for an Overstimulated Child and Parent!
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Today we are answering a listener question: how to help a 5-year-old who becomes overstimulated and how to help the parent who becomes overstimulated. We discuss strategies to set the child up for success before the overstimulating situations, strategies for the car ride, and how to decompress. We also talk about strategies for the parent, including getting outside, drinking enough water, asking for help, 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
When Your Child’s Sensory Preferences Don’t Match Yours
Free Primitive Reflex Webinar
What is the Moro Reflex?
Book: Building a Non-Anxious Life
Book: Too Loud, Too Bright, Too Fast, Too Tight
Tips for Getting Outside
8 Activities for Regulation
Sensory Strategies for Teens and Adults
Peaceful Parenting Tips
Free Sensory Diet Webinar
On-the-go Sensory Strategies
Free Social Story Template