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, occupa...
#348 - Supporting Sensory Seekers: Practical Tips for Every Day
Learn how to create personalized sensory diet routines that actually work! https://harkla.co/products/sensory-diet-courseIn today's episode we dive into strategies to support sensory seekers. If your child is constantly seeking movement, touch, or sounds that interfere with their daily activities—or if they never seem to get enough sensory input—this episode is for you! We’re sharing five practical tips to help you support sensory seekers at home, in the clinic, or anywhere in between. From providing sensory snacks to integrating full-body heavy work, these strategies can make a world of difference in nervous system regulation and emotional well-being. Plus, we’ll discuss the importance of daily outdoor time and how emotional intelligence programs can help children identify and manage their sensory needs.LINKSWe’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 ChannelHarkla Website - Shop Sensory Products!Harkla InstagramWebe Kalm (Amazon)Talk Tools Sensory Snacks ExplainedZones of RegulationSuperflex Curriculum Alert Program Balanced and Barefoot Tips and Tricks for Your Sensory Seeking ChildEpisode 11
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#347 - Helping Kids Love Mealtime: OT Tips for Feeding Success!
In today’s episode, we dive into some real-life feeding strategies that Jessica recently discussed with a fellow OT who’s working with a client struggling with picky eating and meal-time resistance. Feeling stuck in a rut? You're not alone! Sometimes it just takes a good brainstorming session to unlock fresh ideas.We cover practical tips and strategies, including:How focusing onone meal a day can improve family engagement around the table.Fun and motivating ways to get a picky eater excited about meals (yes,fun really does help!).The power of consistency—how building a daily habit can change everything.Giving kids more responsibility in the kitchen and around meal prep, from grocery shopping to cleanup.Moving away from grazing to structured sit-down meals (and why hunger can actually be a good thing in some situations!).Ways to switch up therapy routines to keep feeding sessions fresh and engaging, like using sensory bins, changing environments, or giving kids more control.If you’re working with kids on feeding challenges, or just looking for some fresh perspective, this episode is packed with actionable strategies you can try today. Tune in for an honest, practical conversation on making mealtime a little less stressful and a lot more fun!LINKSWe’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 ChannelHarkla Website - Shop Sensory Products!Harkla InstagramBook: Food Chaining (Amazon) https://a.co/d/aS3LY4LMore resources for picky eating - https://harkla.co/search?q=picky+eating&submit=Search
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#346 - Finding the Right Balance: Should We Accommodate or Desensitize?
In this episode, we dive deep into a critical question for therapists and caregivers: should we accommodate or desensitize? Sensory processing challenges can significantly impact a child’s daily life, and understanding when to offer accommodations and when to gently push for desensitization is key to promoting independence and improving quality of life. Through real-life examples, we'll explore how these strategies work together to help children navigate their sensory world, from a variety of environments to everyday activities like dressing and playing. Plus, we’ll share practical tips for therapists and caregivers to develop personalized plans that promote both immediate comfort and long-term resilience.
Create personalized sensory diets that work! https://harkla.co/products/sensory-diet-course
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 Just Right Challenge for Sensory Activities
How to Know if Your OT is Right For You
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#345 - A Balanced Brain - New Multi-Sensory Program is LIVE!
Many many years ago, we created a 30 day challenge - it was our 30 Day Multi-Sensory Challenge - and it included 30 activities with the metronome. Our goal was to give parents and therapists a variety of multi-sensory activities to help with processing speed, auditory processing, motor coordination, ocular motor development, bilateral coordination, and more! We recently decided that this challenge needed an upgrade, so we created an entirely new program based on the 30 day challenge and it’s FINALLY ready for you!
Introducing - A Balanced Brain: A Multi-Sensory Program for Learning and Focus https://harkla.co/products/balanced-brain
We also share 3 of our favorite activities from the program!
LINKS
Check out all of our digital courses! https://harkla.co/collections/courses
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
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#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
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.
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