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PODCAST

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

kids & family

All Episodes

00:44:59

#360 - Beyond Words: Supporting Communication Through...

All Things Sensory by Harkla ·

2025/05/14

In this episode, we sit down with Lori Benson Adams, M.Ed., Educational Intervention Specialist and founder of Breakthrough Learning Solutions, to explore the heart of DIRFloortime. We dive into the power of connection, the role of play-based therapy, and how honoring all forms of communication can transform the way we support children. Whether you're a parent or professional, this conversation will leave you inspired to lead with curiosity, connection, and compassion.Lori Benson Adams, M.Ed

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00:26:23

#358 - Our Must-Have Sensory Tools for Autistic Children

All Things Sensory by Harkla ·

2025/04/30

In this episode, we’re diving into our all-time favorite sensory tools to support autistic children. Whether you're a parent, therapist, or educator, these go-to items can help create a more regulated and sensory-friendly environment!We’ll share why tools like noise-canceling headphones, a sensory corner, weighted items, Ark Therapeutic chewy toys, tunnels, crash pads, sour spray, and more—including fun products like the Bilibo chair and The Jungle Crawl book—can make such a big impact in your

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00:17:53

#357 - What It Really Takes to Be a Great OT...

All Things Sensory by Harkla ·

2025/04/23

Shop our Autism Acceptance Month Sale! https://harkla.co/pages/aam-saleWhat really makes a great occupational therapy practitioner? In today’s episode, we’re diving into the key qualities that set exceptional OTs apart—beyond just clinical skills.We’ll chat about:The importance of lifelong learning and continuing educationWhy collaboration with other professionals is a game-changerHow building rapport with a wide variety of clients and families is a mustThe value of teaching and sharing your

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00:21:03

#353 - Building Sensory Success at Home: Our Favorite...

All Things Sensory by Harkla ·

2025/03/26

Home exercise programs (HEPs) are a game-changer for sensory regulation, emotional development, and reflex integration—but only if they’re done consistently! In this episode, we’re sharing our favorite HEP activities that are easy to implement and make a big impact. From sensory diet routines like jumping, crawling, and bubble mountain to oral motor tools and co-regulation strategies, we’re giving you practical ideas to support your child’s development at home.Plus, we answer a listener’s question

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00:20:50

#349 - 5 Strategies to Support Sensory Avoiders in...

All Things Sensory by Harkla ·

2025/02/26

Creating and Implementing Sensory Diet Routines to Improve Daily Activities - https://harkla.co/products/sensory-diet-course In today’s episode, we dive into the world of sensory avoiders—children (and even adults) who may experience heightened sensitivity to sensory input and react with avoidance or distress. We'll explore key signs that your child might be a sensory avoider and share 5 practical tips for helping them manage sensory overload, whether at home, in the clinic, or in everyday

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00:20:27

#348 - Supporting Sensory Seekers: Practical Tips for...

All Things Sensory by Harkla ·

2025/02/19

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

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00:27:34

#347 - Helping Kids Love Mealtime: OT Tips for...

All Things Sensory by Harkla ·

2025/02/12

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

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00:23:58

#346 - Finding the Right Balance: Should We...

All Things Sensory by Harkla ·

2025/02/05

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

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00:17:24

#345 - A Balanced Brain - New Multi-Sensory Program...

All Things Sensory by Harkla ·

2025/01/29

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

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00:20:37

#343 - How Sensory Processing Affects Executive Function

All Things Sensory by Harkla ·

2025/01/15

LIVE Free Webinar on Jan. 20! Sign up here: https://harkla.co/pages/balanced-brain-webinar-registrationIn this episode, we dive into the connection between sensory processing and executive function. We begin by defining sensory processing and its vital role in our daily lives. From the basic five senses of touch, taste, sight, sound, and smell, to the more complex senses of vestibular, proprioception, and interoception, we explore how each sense helps us navigate the world and regulate our physical

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00:19:53

#342 - How to Use Movement and Sensory Activities to...

All Things Sensory by Harkla ·

2025/01/08

Should SLPs use sensory strategies during their sessions? That’s the question we’re discussing in this podcast episode! We dive into making sure we stay within our scope of practice when using different tools, how SLPs and other professionals can use movement and sensory activities with their clients, and some specific activity ideas that we know will help your clients, no matter what area you’re working in! LINKS We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form -

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00:11:38

#334 - Listener Question: Tips for Safety During...

All Things Sensory by Harkla ·

2024/11/13

We are answering a listener question today: a 4-year-old child who is receiving speech and OT services and the family is struggling “to prevent eloping in parking lots and helping him understand the dangers of moving vehicles.” We talk about some different ideas including a sticker/reward chart, different ways to transition to the car, practicing “safe” and “not safe” scenarios, creating a social story, and MORE! LINKS We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form -

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00:23:54

#333 - The Difference Between Passive and Active...

All Things Sensory by Harkla ·

2024/11/06

Sign up for the Harkla Early Bird Holiday Sale - https://harkla.co/pages/early-sign-up What is the difference between a passive sensory activity and an active sensory activity? Is one type better than the other? How long does a passive sensory activity “last” in the body, compared to an activity sensory activity? We answer these questions and give you our favorite passive sensory activities and our favorite active sensory activities! LINKS We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill

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00:21:58

#332 - 10 Things We've Learned in 10 Years!

All Things Sensory by Harkla ·

2024/10/30

We’re sharing ten things that we’ve learned in the past 10 years! We’ve been certified occupational therapy assistants for just over 10 years and we’ve learned so many things, it was very difficult to pick just 10! We talk about mentoring, asking questions, referring out, and MORE! We’d love to hear from you - Leave a comment on Spotify or YouTube and let us know what you’ve learned in your career or what you’ve learned from listening to us! LINKS We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast

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00:14:48

#331 - Listener Question: Tips for Understanding...

All Things Sensory by Harkla ·

2024/10/23

We’re answering a listener question today - helping a parent understand how to help their child self-regulate, understand sensory challenges, how to find help, and how primitive reflexes might be connected to learning in school, specifically reading. This child was recently diagnosed with ADHD as well. We dive into using the Harkla Sensory Preferences Checklist (free download linked below), adding more sensory activities into the daily routine, how to improve emotional intelligence, and

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00:20:13

#330 - Crawling for Brain Development: An Interview...

All Things Sensory by Harkla ·

2024/10/16

Today we are chatting all about Rachel’s new curriculum: Crawling for Brain Development. Get the inside scoop on how Rachel created this book, why she is so passionate about crawling, and how you can get your hands on this amazing curriculum! Crawling for Brain Development© is a 5-week, guided program designed for children and adults ages 3-100+. It will benefit individuals of all abilities, whether they crawled in infancy or not. Parents can implement the program at home, teachers in their

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00:30:55

#329 - The Connection Between Sensory...

All Things Sensory by Harkla ·

2024/10/09

Today we’re talking about sensory over-responsivity (what is it? What does it look like? Who can it impact?) and the connection to anxiety. We dive into 2 different research articles (linked below) as well as provide 3 tips: Develop individualized sensory diet routines and environmental modifications Look into retained primitive reflexes, specifically the Moro Reflex Find simple ways to decompress and regulate the nervous system LINKS We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast

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00:25:19

#328 -Q&A: Picky Eating, Success with School Line-up,...

All Things Sensory by Harkla ·

2024/10/02

We are answering your questions in today’s podcast episode!Question 1: How to help with picky eating, specifically with fruits and vegetables. Question 2: How to help a toddler with daycare/preschool line up when it’s time to come back inside after playing outside. Question 3: Understanding if soccer is the ‘just-right’ sport for a child with SPD, Autism, and low muscle tone. LINKS We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 All

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00:21:05

#327 - Sensory Bins Aren't Just for Toddlers! Sharing...

All Things Sensory by Harkla ·

2024/09/25

We are answering a listener question today! Is there an age limit when it comes to sensory bins? Are sensory bins beneficial for older children? How can we make sensory bins beneficial and fun for a variety of ages?We dive into the benefits of sensory bins, including tactile modulation and visual processing. Then we talk about our favorite ways to make sensory bins fun and engaging for older children, including following a recipe, using a blindfold, and adding it into an obstacle course! LINKS We’d

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00:51:31

#326 - Spelling to Communicate with Kinsey Showers

All Things Sensory by Harkla ·

2024/09/18

Kinsey Showers is an S2C practitioner based in Utah. She began her spelling journey in 2018 when she was working at Invictus Academy Tampa Bay, a school for students with sensory motor differences. She is also a cohort leader and mentor for the International Association for Spelling as Communication. Kinsey is very passionate about communication rights because that's what communication is- a right! She is so thankful to work with nonspeakers and their families. Kinsey’s background is in

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44 results

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