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...
#351 - The Power of Play: Primitive Reflex Integration with the Harkla Sensory Dice
We are beyond excited to introduce Harkla’s newest sensory tool—the Sensory Dice! These simple yet powerful dice are designed to make sensory and primitive reflex integration fun, engaging, and effective. In this episode, we dive into how sensory integration and primitive reflex integration are deeply connected—when you work on one, you naturally support the other! We’ll break down how each of the three Sensory Dice categories (Alerting, Calming, and Focus) can help integrate retained primitive reflexes through movement and sensory-based activities. We’ll also share specific activities from each dice that target common retained primitive reflexes, such as the Moro, STNR, ATNR, TLR, Palmar Grasp, and more! From yoga flows and windmills to wall push-ups and animal walks, these activities are simple yet effective for supporting nervous system development.LINKSHarkla Sensory Activity Dice Primitive Reflex Digital Course 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 ChannelHarkla Website - Shop Sensory Products!Harkla InstagramWhat are Primitive Reflexes?
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#350 - BCBAs Unfiltered: The Truth About Behavior Therapy & Juvenile Justice
Maranda Argiros, BCBA and Jenny Barcellona, BCBA provide Behavior Training and Support for Caregivers and Families which consists of Family Focused Treatments and Interventions that equip families with the tools they need to foster behavior change in their natural environment. In addition, they provide Behavior Consulting Services for schools, daycares, and other providers by implementing realistic strategies and techniques to increase skill acquisition while decreasing and managing challenging behaviors. What The Function also provides IEP Advocacy Services and BCBA supervision for students seeking certification. They work to expand the reach and increase public knowledge of how the science of Behavior Analysis is used to help individuals outside of what ABA is typically known for. Marand and Jenny are passionate about the success they have had in using Behavior Analysis across all environments regardless of age, socioeconomic status, and diagnoses.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 Website Harkla YouTubeHarkla InstagramWhat The Function Website
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#349 - 5 Strategies to Support Sensory Avoiders in Everyday Life
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 situations. Some signs that your child may be a sensory avoider: The fight or flight response when entering new or familiar situations Avoiding certain movements Sensitivity to sounds (like vacuums or blenders) that lead to meltdowns Extreme picky eating habits Struggling to focus in busy environments, or avoiding them altogetherLINKSWe’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 InstagramAdvanced Brain Technologies Vital Neuro Vital LinksThe Just Right Challenge Create a Sensory/Calm Down Corner Gifts of Joy The Zones of Regulation
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#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
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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