All Things Sensory by Harkla

#40 - Interview with Alex from Sensory Digest

April 03, 2019 15:30 - 41 minutes - 28.3 MB

Hey guys, welcome back! We are so excited for this week’s episode - we got the privilege to chat with Alex Lopiccolo, aka The King of Swings, aka Sensory Digest! This amazing individual has been working with children for many years and works all over the country as well as the world! Make sure to tune in and listen to all the amazing things he has to say! Be sure to check out the show notes on our blog at Harkla.Co/Podcast. Brought To You By Harkla This podcast is brought to you by Hark...

#39 - What is a Sensory Diet?

March 27, 2019 15:30 - 20 minutes - 14 MB

Welcome back friends! Today we are jumping into all things sensory diets -- and no, this is not FOOD (although we kinda wish it was!). A sensory diet is actually just a simple series of activities that are specific to one person. Definitely listen in - as always, we share our favorite tricks and strategies! Enjoy! SHOW NOTES AND LINKS The Zones of Regulation Move Your Body Fun Deck Cards Article: The Ultimate Guide to Sensory Diets Digital Course: Learn How to Create Sensory Diets a...

#38 - Picky Eating & Sensory Kiddos

March 20, 2019 15:30 - 31 minutes - 21.7 MB

Hey everyone! We are so excited to share all of our knowledge, tips, and tricks related to feeding and sensory challenges! Today we talk about some of the different challenges associated with oral motor and sensory difficulties as it relates to picky eating. And of course we dive into all of our favorite strategies for you and your child to do at home! Enjoy! *This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. SHOW NOTE...

#37 - Motor Planning & Praxis Abilities

March 13, 2019 15:30 - 25 minutes - 17.5 MB

Hi friends! So happy you’re here today to join us while we talk about all things praxis! If you’ve never heard that word before - that’s ok! Maybe you’ve heard of motor planning? Motor planning is part of praxis and we are going to explain it all for you today! And as always, we are giving you our favorite tips, tricks, and strategies to help your child improve their praxis abilities! Thanks for being here! *This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for p...

#36 - Our Favorite Self Regulation Tools for Children

March 06, 2019 16:30 - 24 minutes - 17.1 MB

Hey everyone! So excited to have you back for another episode! This episode is all about executive functioning and self-regulation. What an important topic! Something that we work on everyday without even thinking about it! So here we are to give you all the tips, tricks, and strategies that you can use at home (or in therapy if you’re a therapist!). Thanks so much for joining us! *This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through th...

#35 - Interview with Alex Doman, CEO of Advanced Brain Technologies

February 27, 2019 16:30 - 45 minutes - 31.5 MB

Hey everyone! We are so excited for this week’s episode! We connected with Advanced Brain Technologies and scored an interview with the CEO of the company, Alex Doman. Not only is Alex the CEO but he is also a bestselling author, producer, sound expert, and public speaker. We got to pick his brain and learned so many amazing things about our brains, music, and The Listening Program. Listen in and learn all the things! *This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a co...

#34 - What Is Auditory Processing Disorder?

February 20, 2019 16:30 - 21 minutes - 14.7 MB

Hi friends! Thanks for joining us today while we talk about all things auditory! As always, we will talk about the auditory system, what it looks like when a child has challenges in this area, and last but not least we will give you all our fav tips, tricks, and strategies to increase your child’s ability to process and modulate auditory input! *This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. SHOW NOTES AND LINKS ...

#33 - The Power of Touch for the Tactile System

February 13, 2019 16:30 - 27 minutes - 19.2 MB

Thanks so much for joining us as we talk about the tactile system! In this episode, we discuss what it looks like when a child is under and over responsive to tactile input, as well as why this can cause negative behaviors. And of course, as always, we give you our favorite tips, tricks, and games to help your child increase their ability to process and modulate tactile input! *This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these ...

#32 - OCD and Autism

February 06, 2019 16:30 - 23 minutes - 16.2 MB

Hey everyone! Thanks for joining us today! We are excited to talk to you about OCD and Autism in today’s episode - we received a question related to these two diagnoses so we wanted to dive in and hopefully provide you guys with some insights and some strategies! *This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. SHOW NOTES AND LINKS Related Article: LEARN ABOUT COMMON AUTISM COMORBIDITIES LIKE OCD, ADHD, AND MORE ...

#31 - Pushing Through Plateaus for Sensory Kiddos

January 30, 2019 16:30 - 36 minutes - 24.9 MB

Hi friends! Today we are talking about a very important topic: engagement and plateaus with our kiddos! Part of the episode is geared towards parents, and the other part is geared towards therapists. We’re sharing our favorite tips, tricks and strategies to push through the plateau and help your child be more successful! *This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. SHOW NOTES AND LINKS 60 minute Visual Timer Time...

#30 - Yoga & Mindfullness Interview with Erin Clarelli

January 23, 2019 16:30 - 42 minutes - 29.3 MB

We are so excited to bring you an amazing interview with an inspiring lady - Erin Clarelli! She is not only an occupational therapist but also a certified children’s special needs yoga teacher! She has so much passion for helping children and families and is so inspiring to us as therapists! We hope you enjoy listening to her and definitely check her out on Instagram - y.ot.ga - and give her some love! *This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for pur...

#29 - Detoxing After the Holidays

January 16, 2019 16:30 - 31 minutes - 21.7 MB

Today we are talking about detoxing after the holidays! This can be especially challenging with our kiddos who have sensory processing challenges as well as our picky eaters but it can oftentimes have a very positive outcome! We will talk about the different strategies, tools, and tricks you might use to help your child phase out gluten, sugar, dairy, and food dyes! *This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. ...

#28 - All Things Visual: Ocular Motor Skills, Visual Perception & More!

January 09, 2019 16:30 - 30 minutes - 20.7 MB

Today we are discussing all things visual. From ocular motor skills, to visual perception, we will break everything down so you can understand just what exactly your child is taking in when they look around the room. As always, we will share our favorite therapy games and activities you can complete with your kiddos at home! *This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. SHOW NOTES AND LINKS Activities for Ocular Mot...

#27 - The Somatosensory System

January 02, 2019 16:30 - 23 minutes - 16 MB

Hey Friends! Today we are explaining what exactly the somatosensory system is and the effect it has on development. Of course, we will share our favorite somatosensory processing activities and games that you can do with your kiddos at home! Enjoy! *This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. SHOW NOTES AND LINKS Sensory Bin Book Water Beads Body Sock Be sure to check out the show notes on our blog at Har...

#26 - Bilateral Integration Activities, Strategies, & More!

December 19, 2018 16:30 - 35 minutes - 24.6 MB

In today's episode, we are breaking down the term Bilateral Integration for you! We are sharing our knowledge on the topic, as well as what deficits in this area might look like, and our favorite toys and games to address bilateral integration in everyday activities! Hope you learn lots! Thanks for joining us! *This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. SHOW NOTES AND LINKS https://therapyfunzone.net/blog/ot/fine-mo...

#25 - Executive Function Skills & More!

December 12, 2018 16:30 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MB

Rachel and Jessica are dedicating this episode to demystifying executive functioning! This is a topic that doesn’t get much attention, but we are determined to help you and your family understand how to improve your child’s executive functioning skills, (and how you are already working on these skills on a daily basis!) Thanks for joining us! Be sure to check out the show notes on our blog at Harkla.Co/Podcast. Brought To You By Harkla This podcast is brought to you by Harkla. Our missi...

#24 - Toe Walking and W-Sitting

November 28, 2018 16:00 - 36 minutes - 25.1 MB

In today’s episode, Rachel and Jessica discuss two topics that occupational therapists frequently get asked about: toe walking and w-sitting. These topics can be somewhat controversial however are frequently seen in children with sensory processing concerns. Rachel and Jessica provide information regarding why some children toe walk and w-sit as well as strategies to decrease both. Shownotes Info on W Sitting Info on toe walking Games to cross midline Be sure to check out the show note...

#23 - OT/Sensory Holiday Gift Guide

November 21, 2018 17:00 - 34 minutes - 23.5 MB

Buying gifts for your child can be exciting and fulfilling however for some families, searching for the perfect gift for a child with sensory processing challenges can be more challenging than fulfilling. Rachel and Jessica are here to help! Using their experience as occupational therapy assistants working with children, they provide a whole list of equipment, toys, and games that can be the perfect holiday gift for a special needs child. Enjoy! Show Notes Yogarilla Spot It Body Pod Sen...

#23 - Sensory Kiddos Gift Guide

November 21, 2018 17:00 - 34 minutes - 23.5 MB

Buying gifts for your child can be exciting and fulfilling however for some families, searching for the perfect gift for a child with sensory processing challenges can be more challenging than fulfilling. Rachel and Jessica are here to help! Using their experience as occupational therapy assistants working with children, they provide a whole list of equipment, toys, and games that can be the perfect holiday gift for a special needs child. Enjoy! Show Notes Yogarilla Spot It Body Pod Sen...

#22 - What We Really do in Occupational Therapy

November 14, 2018 17:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MB

Let’s talk about what occupational therapists REALLY do! Not only do they help people, but they really focus on helping people complete daily life tasks. These are called ADLs and IADLs - activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living. Especially with children, these daily life tasks are so important and can create such a challenge for families with children with special needs! So, get ready to hear about how you, as a parent or caregiver or even as a therapist, can h...

#21 - What Is The Vestibular System?

November 07, 2018 17:00 - 29 minutes - 20 MB

Let’s talk about one of our hidden senses - the vestibular system. This is a very important part of sensory integration and most children with sensory processing challenges will have significant difficulties processing and modulation vestibular input throughout their day. Rachel and Jessica are going to give you the low-down on what this system is, how it works, and how you can incorporate it into your child’s daily routine to help with emotional regulation, attention, safety, and overall su...

#20 - Interview with the Blymiller's: Nutrition, Supplements, and Progress

October 31, 2018 16:00 - 1 hour - 44.3 MB

Get ready for an amazing interview today! Angela and her husband, Shawn, are the parents of two children, one with special needs. During today’s episode, they will talk about their trials, their triumphs, and will give simple advice to other parents. They will dive into the various things they’ve tried with their son - including things that have not worked for them. After the interview, Rachel and Jessica will discuss key takeaways from a therapist’s perspective. Shownotes Book for dad...

#19 - The Hidden Sense of Interoception

October 24, 2018 16:00 - 34 minutes - 23.5 MB

Did you know that we have more than 7 senses? We have a hidden 8th sense that most people don’t know about - interoception. Rachel and Jessica are here today to give you the 411 on this hidden sense as well as why it can be such a challenge for children with sensory processing challenges. And of course, you will be provided with tips and strategies to help your child increase their ability to process and modulate all the sensory input related to this hidden sense, interoception. Be sure to...

#18 - Sensory Survival Guide for Halloween

October 17, 2018 16:00 - 35 minutes - 24.8 MB

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 Harkla This podcast is brought to you by Harkla. Our mission at Hark...

#17 - Handwriting and Fine Motor Skills

October 10, 2018 16:00 - 46 minutes - 32.1 MB

In today’s episode, Rachel and Jessica discuss the underlying skills related to handwriting as well as deficits associated with these skills. They also dive into simple, at home strategies and activities that you can incorporate into your child’s routine in order to increase their hand strength, fine and visual motor skills, and overall handwriting abilities! Be sure to check out the show notes on our blog at Harkla.Co/Podcast. Brought To You By Harkla This podcast is brought to you by...

#16 - Disciplining a Sensory Kiddo

October 03, 2018 16:00 - 40 minutes - 28 MB

This week, Rachel and Jessica discuss the process of disciplining a ‘sensory kiddo.’ They will dive into why children with sensory processing challenges have behaviors (as it relates to their sensory systems), ideas for how to intervene and help your child during a behavior, and how to implement strategies into your daily routine to help your child manage their behaviors. Always remember that no two children are the same and not all of the ideas and strategies discussed in this episode will ...

#15 - What the Heck are Primitive Reflexes?!

September 26, 2018 16:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MB

In this episode, Rachel and Jessica will introduce you to primitive reflexes. They will share general information regarding what they are, why we have them, and what happens if our bodies don’t integrate them properly. They will also briefly discuss activities that can be completed in order to work on integrating some of the different primitive reflexes in order to increase overall sensory integration. Be sure to check out the show notes on our blog at Harkla.Co/Podcast. Brought To You By...

#14- Sensory Avoiders: Over-Responsive Sensory Kiddos

September 19, 2018 16:00 - 55 minutes - 38 MB

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...

#13 - Should I Get My Child a Diagnosis?

September 12, 2018 16:00 - 45 minutes - 31.2 MB

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 blog ...

#12 - Feeding and Meal Prep with Your Sensory Child

September 05, 2018 16:00 - 50 minutes - 34.4 MB

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 Harkla This podcast is brought to you by Harkla. Our mission at Harkla ...

#11 - Sensory Seeker Activities, Strategies, & Routines

August 29, 2018 16:00 - 36 minutes - 24.8 MB

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 chec...

#10 - Using Sports to Connect Children with Disabilities with Gabriel Moreno

August 22, 2018 16:00 - 57 minutes - 39.3 MB

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...

#9 - Starting School with a Sensory Kiddo

August 15, 2018 16:00 - 42 minutes - 28.9 MB

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...

#8 - Self-care and Mommy guilt

August 08, 2018 16:00 - 42 minutes - 29.4 MB

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.Co...

#7 - What is Proprioception & Strategies for Proprioception Inputs

August 01, 2018 16:00 - 43 minutes - 29.6 MB

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 By Ha...

#7 - What is the Proprioceptive Sense? Plus Simple Strategies to Provide Proprioceptive Input!

August 01, 2018 16:00 - 43 minutes - 29.6 MB

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 By Ha...

#6 - All Things Poo! Sensory Integration Tips & Strategies for the Bathroom

July 25, 2018 16:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MB

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 Harkla This podcast is brought to you by Harkla. Our mission at Harkla is to help ...

#6 - All Things Poo! Sensory Integration Tips & Strategies for the Bathroom

July 25, 2018 16:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MB

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 Harkla This podcast is brought to you by Harkla. Our mission at Harkla is to help ...

#5 - Favorite Products for Infant and Toddler Development

July 18, 2018 16:00 - 39 minutes - 27.1 MB

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! Shownotes Developmental milestones https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/pdf/checklists/all_checklists.pdf ARK...

#4 - Visual Schedules: How to Get Started

July 11, 2018 16:00 - 20 minutes - 14.2 MB

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 Harkla This podcast is b...

#3 - Improving Sleep for Sensory Seekers

July 04, 2018 16:00 - 47 minutes - 32.8 MB

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 Harkla This podcast is brought to you by Harkla. Our mission at Harkla is to help those with special needs live happy and he...

#2 - What is Sensory Integration & How it Works

June 27, 2018 15:00 - 19 minutes - 13.3 MB

Are you curious what Sensory Integration is? Or what sensory processing dysfunction looks like? Does your child have quirks that you can’t explain? We’re here to give you a brief explanation of what sensory integration means, how if affects your child and what it could look like if your child is struggling to process sensory input properly. Be sure to check out the show notes on our blog at Harkla.Co/Podcast. Brought To You By Harkla This podcast is brought to you by Harkla. Our mission...

#1 - All Things Sensory by Harkla: Introduction

June 20, 2018 15:00 - 14 minutes - 10.3 MB

In this episode, we will introduce who we are and what we plan on accomplishing with our podcast! We are Rachel and Jessica, here to share all things sensory, occupational therapy, parenting, self-care, and overall health and wellness from a therapeutic perspective. We are both Occupational Therapy Assistants who love working with kids and their families to help improve quality of life and make everyday a little bit easier! Be sure to check out the show notes on our blog at Harkla.Co/Podc...

All Things Sensory by Harkla

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