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 19, 2018 • 55min
#14- Sensory Avoiders: Over-Responsive Sensory Kiddos
Today we’re talking about those kiddos that are over-responsive to sensory input, aka, sensory avoiders. They often slip between the lines and their deficits go unnoticed, making it challenging to get them the help that they need! We’re going to explain what it means, how it affects your child, and of course, tips, tricks and strategies to increase awareness and implement beneficial activities into your daily life.Be sure to check out the show notes on our blog at Harkla.Co/Podcast.Brou...
Sep 12, 2018 • 45min
#13 - Should I Get My Child a Diagnosis?
Today’s episode is all about the pros and cons of getting a diagnosis for your child. Rachel and Jessica explain how to find resources for a diagnosis, what to expect if you do / do not get a diagnosis, and whether you should or should not pursue a diagnosis- from a therapist’s perspective. This controversial topic can be scary and hard to manage so if you’re struggling with deciding to chase down a diagnosis, this is the episode for you! Be sure to check out the show notes on our ...
Sep 5, 2018 • 50min
#12 - Feeding and Meal Prep with Your Sensory Child
In today’s episode, Rachel and Jessica talk briefly about nutrition and extensively about picky eating and feeding therapy. Children with sensory processing challenges often time have feeding issues and this episode dives into the why, the how, and the tools and strategies you can use to help your child become a successful eater.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 Hark...
Aug 29, 2018 • 36min
#11 - Sensory Seeker Activities, Strategies, & Routines
In today’s episode, Rachel and Jessica talk about children who are labeled as “sensory seekers.” There are a lot of misconceptions regarding these children and the reasons behind their “behaviors.” Today, Rachel and Jessica will discuss the underlying reasons why some children seek more input than others, how they can receive the appropriate amount of input to help them be successful in their everyday routines, and demystify the idea that these children are “the bad kids.” Be sure to ch...
Aug 22, 2018 • 57min
#10 - Using Sports to Connect Children with Disabilities with Gabriel Moreno
In today’s episode, Rachel and Jessica interview Gabriel Moreno, the creator of Game Changers Idaho, a life skills development academy disguised as an athletics program. You will hear about how Gabriel got started and why he’s so passionate about helping children with disabilities. You will also learn about how beneficial sports can be for any child of any age and ability as well as how to incorporate them into your child’s routine. They will share with you the benefits of this program as it ...
Aug 15, 2018 • 42min
#9 - Starting School with a Sensory Kiddo
In this episode, Rachel and Jessica will break down potential obstacles you might encounter when your child with special needs heads to school. They will also discuss 504 and IEP plans as well as various accommodations that can be implemented into the daily school routine. In addition, you’ll hear tips, tricks and sensory strategies to alleviate not only YOUR stress about school, but your CHILD’S stress as well!Be sure to check out the show notes on our blog at Harkla.Co/Podcast.Brought...
Aug 8, 2018 • 43min
#8 - Self-care and Mommy guilt
In this episode, Rachel and Jessica are talking about mommy guilt and self-care. These two topics are closely related to each other and are especially hard to talk about. Whether you have a child who is typically developing or a special needs child (or both!), mommy guilt and self-care can be hard to deal with. Today’s episode will demystify mommy guilt, provide ideas to decrease it, and offer ways to increase self-care routines.Be sure to check out the show notes on our blog at Harkla....
Aug 1, 2018 • 43min
#7 - What is the Proprioceptive Sense? Plus Simple Strategies to Provide Proprioceptive Input!
In this episode, Rachel and Jessica will dive into the proprioceptive system and how it relates to pushing, hitting, kicking, and other behaviors, as a result of sensory processing challenges. In addition, they will discuss the reasons behind proprioceptive seeking behaviors, what those behaviors look like, and ideas and strategies to help children receive the proprioceptive input they are seeking. Be sure to check out the show notes on our blog at Harkla.Co/Podcast.Brought To You ...
Jul 25, 2018 • 28min
#6 - All Things Poo! Sensory Integration Tips & Strategies for the Bathroom
We are answering a question about poop today! So many children (typical and those with sensory processing challenges) struggle with poop issues! As silly as it sounds, we’re here to share raw and honest tips, tricks and strategies for improving independence with using the bathroom as it relates to sensory integration! 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 Harkla is ...
Jul 18, 2018 • 39min
#5 - Favorite Products for Infant and Toddler Development
Do you want to promote successful development in your infant or toddler? Do you struggle with finding the most appropriate, beneficial toys and activities? Is your child behind on their developmental milestones? We are providing our favorite toys, equipment, and activities for infant and toddlers, using our knowledge and experience as pediatric occupational therapy assistants!ShownotesDevelopmental milestones https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/pdf/checklists/all_checklists.pdf ARK ...
