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
6 snips
Nov 28, 2018 • 36min
#24 - Toe Walking and W-Sitting
The hosts discuss controversial topics of toe walking and W sitting in children, providing strategies for addressing them. They explore muscle stretching techniques, the benefits of foot massages, primitive reflex integration, and the use of prism lenses. Strategies for dealing with toe walking and W sitting are highlighted, along with the negative effects of W-sitting on strength and muscle development.
Nov 21, 2018 • 34min
#23 - OT/Sensory Holiday Gift Guide
Buying gifts for your child can be exciting and fulfilling however for some families, searching for the perfect gift for a child with sensory processing challenges can be more challenging than fulfilling. Rachel and Jessica are here to help! Using their experience as occupational therapy assistants working with children, they provide a whole list of equipment, toys, and games that can be the perfect holiday gift for a special needs child. Enjoy!Show Notes YogarillaSpot ItBody Pod Sensory...
Nov 14, 2018 • 34min
#22 - What We Really do in Occupational Therapy
Learn what occupational therapists really do, focusing on daily life tasks like personal hygiene and play skills. Explore adaptive equipment for children and strategies for addressing sensory needs and homework difficulties. Discover the importance of fostering independence in children. Get excited for the holiday gift guide episode with gift ideas for children with sensory or developmental needs.
Nov 7, 2018 • 29min
#21 - What Is The Vestibular System?
Discover the fascinating world of the vestibular system and its impact on movement coordination, balance, and emotional regulation. Learn about red flags of vestibular dysfunction, levels of arousal in children, and the connection between the vestibular and visual systems. Explore the importance of continuing vestibular activities, using safe toys, and incorporating movement into daily routines. Find out how different seats can benefit children with low muscle tone. Join the hosts as they wrap up with a teaser for the next episode on ADLs and IADLs.
Oct 31, 2018 • 1h 4min
#20 - Interview with the Blymiller's: Nutrition, Supplements, and Progress
A couple shares their journey with a special needs child, discussing what has and has not worked for them. They emphasize the importance of finding support and building a community. They touch on self-care, fear of regression, and the impact of diet. Book recommendation and gratitude are also discussed.
Oct 24, 2018 • 34min
#19 - The Hidden Sense of Interoception
Discover the hidden sense of interoception and why it can be challenging for children with sensory processing issues. Learn about potty training struggles, sensory challenges, strategies for teaching clothing choices, medication side effects, and managing overwhelm. Gain insights into using social stories as a helpful tool.
Oct 17, 2018 • 36min
#18 - Sensory Survival Guide for Halloween
Halloween is here and for families with children with sensory processing challenges, it can be a stressful holiday. In today’s episode, Rachel and Jessica discuss the reasons behind sensory overload during Halloween as well as tips and strategies to not only help you and your sensory kiddo survive but to also have a good experience!Be sure to check out the show notes on our blog at Harkla.Co/Podcast.Brought To You By HarklaThis podcast is brought to you by Harkla. Our mission at H...
Oct 10, 2018 • 47min
#17 - Handwriting and Fine Motor Skills
Topics discussed include the importance of tummy time in handwriting development, strategies for fine motor skills development, challenges in teaching handwriting, how to improve handwriting skills, modeling writing and reading behavior, and activities and tools for hand strengthening.
Oct 3, 2018 • 41min
#16 - Disciplining a Sensory Kiddo
This podcast discusses disciplining children with sensory processing challenges, exploring strategies and interventions for managing behaviors. It also delves into understanding sensory systems, supporting a child's well-being, and provides specific strategies for helping children with sensory issues at the park. The hosts express excitement for upcoming projects, discuss Halloween and pumpkin carving, and tease the next episode on handwriting.
Sep 26, 2018 • 36min
#15 - What the Heck are Primitive Reflexes?!
Learn about primitive reflexes and their impact on brain development in children with special needs. Understand the effects of retained reflexes on learning, coordination, and posture. Discover strategies for integrating primitive reflexes and improving gross motor skills through activities and games.
