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
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 ...
Jul 11, 2018 • 21min
#4 - Visual Schedules: How to Get Started
Does your child struggle with following a daily routine, like getting ready for school in the morning or getting ready for bed at night? Have you ever heard of a visual schedule? We are here to talk about what a visual schedule is and how it can be incorporated into your child’s day to help them become more successful and independent with those routines that are challenging! Be sure to check out the show notes on our blog at Harkla.Co/Podcast.Brought To You By HarklaThis podcast i...
Jul 4, 2018 • 48min
#3 - Improving Sleep for Sensory Seekers
In this episode, we are going to dive into bedtime routines, sleep for the sensory seekers, products to promote better sleep, and nutrition related to improving sleep. If your child is struggling with bedtime routine, falling asleep, and staying asleep, this episode is for you!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 to help those with special needs live happy and...
Jun 27, 2018 • 19min
#2 - What is Sensory Integration & How it Works
The podcast explores sensory integration, its impact on everyday life, and specific challenges like oral motor and feeding difficulties. It also discusses how to identify sensory integration dysfunction and seek help. The hosts stress the importance of carryover and preview the next episode on sleep issues in children.
