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
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.
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...
