All Things Sensory by Harkla

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 Hark...

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...

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 perfe...

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 ne...

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...

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...

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 proc...

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/Pod...

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...

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 t...

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 integra...

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 int...

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...

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/Podcas...

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 ever...

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 incorpo...

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...

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 way...

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...

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 T...

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! ShownotesDevelopment...

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 t...

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...

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...

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 ev...