All Things Sensory by Harkla

Amanda Mathers, OTR/L & Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, CPRCS

Amanda Mathers, OTR/L, and Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, CPRCS, are two passionate pediatric therapy practitioners 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, where our goal is to help those with special needs live happy and healthy lives

  1. 2 days ago

    #414 - How to Write Primitive Reflex Goals That Actually Get Approved

    If you're writing goals for primitive reflex integration, this episode is for you. In this episode, we break down one of the biggest mistakes therapists make when writing goals for primitive reflex integration and explain how to connect reflex work to meaningful, functional outcomes that matter to families, IEP teams, and insurance providers. We discuss why reflex integration itself should never be the goal, how retained reflexes can impact skills like handwriting, attention, coordination, regulation, and participation, and how to write goals that focus on the real-life challenges a child is experiencing. We also share practical examples of how to connect primitive reflex interventions to functional outcomes that support independence and participation. Whether you're an OT, COTA, PT, or therapist interested in reflex integration, this episode will help you think differently about goal writing, advocacy, and demonstrating the value of the services you provide. Thanks for listening 🩷 If you work in pediatrics, we'd love to hear from you. What's one goal-writing tip that's helped you better advocate for the kids you support? Links We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3  Primitive Reflex Digital Course https://harkla.co/products/primitive-reflexes-course  All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/  Harkla Website  https://harkla.co/  Harkla YouTube ​​https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily  Harkla Instagram https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/  Harkla Digital Courses https://harkla.co/collections/courses

    14 min

  2. 17 June

    #413 - It's Not Just You: OT Burnout Is More Common Than You Think

    If you asked 100 occupational therapists whether they've experienced burnout, how many do you think would say yes? In this episode, we have an honest conversation about burnout in the OT profession. We share our own experiences working in clinics, schools, and early intervention, and talk about the realities that many therapists face every day: overwhelming caseloads, endless documentation, productivity demands, long commutes, emotional exhaustion, and the pressure to constantly do more.  We also discuss something that doesn't get talked about enough: how caring deeply about the children and families we serve can make it difficult to leave work at work. From challenging cases to social media comparison, there are so many factors contributing to burnout that go beyond simply being "too busy."  Most importantly, we share practical strategies that have helped us protect our nervous systems, advocate for ourselves, set better boundaries, and create more sustainable careers.  Thanks for listening 🩷 Whether you're a new grad, a seasoned therapist, or somewhere in between, we hope this conversation helps you feel a little less alone. And reminder: GO ON THE TRIP. We’d love to hear your thoughts: have you experienced burnout and what have you used to combat it?  Links We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 Primitive Reflex Digital Course https://harkla.co/products/primitive-reflexes-course  All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/  Harkla Website  https://harkla.co/  Harkla YouTube ​​https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily  Harkla Instagram https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/  Harkla Digital Courses https://harkla.co/collections/courses

    22 min

  3. 10 June

    #412 - Why We're Screening More COVID-Era Kids for Primitive Reflexes

    If your child was born between 2018 and 2022, should they have their primitive reflexes screened? In this episode, we explore how the COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted child development and why Rachel believes primitive reflex screenings should become a routine part of early childhood care. From pregnancy stress and delayed services to increased screen time, fewer social opportunities, and less movement, they discuss how these experiences may have affected (and continue to affect) kids today. We also explain what primitive reflexes are, how retained reflexes can impact learning, behavior, coordination, and emotional regulation, and what signs parents, therapists, and educators may want to watch for. This conversation isn't meant to cause fear or point blame. We want people to get curious, focus on early identification, and give kids the support they need to thrive. Thanks for listening 🩷 We'd love to hear your thoughts. Do you have a pandemic-era child, and have you noticed any of the challenges we discussed? Links We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3  Primitive Reflex Digital Course https://harkla.co/products/primitive-reflexes-course  All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/  Harkla Website  https://harkla.co/  Harkla YouTube ​​https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily  Harkla Instagram https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/  Harkla Digital Courses https://harkla.co/collections/courses

    26 min

  4. 3 June

    #411 - What Lactation Consultants Want Parents to Know: An Interview with Wild Milk Co.

    Feeding a baby can feel overwhelming, especially when things don't go as planned. In this episode, I sit down with Kristin and Maureen from Wild Milk Co., two International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), for a conversation about infant feeding, lactation support, oral ties, and what families really need to know during those early months. We talk about common feeding challenges like painful latch, supply concerns, reflux, colic, and bottle feeding struggles, as well as how oral function and oral ties can impact feeding. We also explore the connection between feeding, sensory processing, nervous system regulation, and infant development, along with what families can expect when working with an IBCLC. Whether you're breastfeeding, bottle feeding, pumping, or doing a combination of all three, this episode is full of practical guidance, reassurance, and encouragement to help you feel more confident in your feeding journey. Thanks for listening 🩷If this episode helped you feel more supported in your feeding journey, share it with another parent who might need to hear it. LINKS We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3  Wild Milk Co. https://www.wildmilkco.com/  Follow Wild Milk Co. on Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/wildmilkco Real Food for Pregnancy https://www.amazon.com/Real-Food-Pregnancy-Prenatal-Nutrition/dp/0986295043  IBCLC Masterclass: https://www.lactationmasterclass.com/ How to find a masterclass trained IBCLC:  https://www.lactationmasterclass.com/findanibclc Idaho Breastfeeding Coalition: https://www.idahobreastfeeding.org/ Spectra S2: https://www.spectrababyusa.com/products/spectra-s1-plus-premier-rechargeable-double-electric-breast-pump Eufy Wearable: https://www.eufy.com/products/t8d04121?variant=43660277121210 Ninni Co. Pacifier: https://ninnico.com/ Medela Harmony: https://www.medela.com/en-us/breastfeeding-pumping/products/pumps/manual/harmony-manual-breast-pump?productId=1021 Natural Breastfeeding Video: https://naturalbreastfeeding.com/ First Droplets Educational Resource: https://firstdroplets.com/ Pigeon Glass Bottles: https://www.pigeonstore.com/ Inno Baby Teethers: https://www.innobaby.com/ All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/  Harkla Website  https://harkla.co/  Harkla YouTube ​​https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily  Harkla Instagram https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/  Harkla Digital Courses https://harkla.co/collections/courses

    1hr 5min

  5. 27 May

    #410 - Understanding Pediatric Pelvic Floor Health and Potty Training Struggles

    If potty training, constipation, accidents, or stool withholding feel way harder than they should, you are not alone. In this episode, we’re talking about pediatric pelvic floor health and why many toileting struggles are actually connected to body awareness, sensory processing, nervous system regulation, and coordination. Amanda shares her perspective as an OT specializing in pediatric pelvic floor health, while Rachel brings in the sensory and regulation lens. Together, we break down why kids who struggle with toileting are not being lazy, stubborn, or defiant, and why pressure and shame often make things worse. We also talk about common signs a child may need extra support, how stress and dysregulation impact the body, and practical strategies families can use at home to make toileting feel safer and more manageable. This episode is all about helping parents better understand what’s happening beneath the surface and reminding families that their child is not broken and they are not failing. Thanks for listening 🩷 If this episode made you feel less alone, share it with another parent navigating toileting struggles right now. LINKS We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3  Amanda’s Potty Training Resources  https://stan.store/yourpediatricOT  All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/  Harkla Website  https://harkla.co/  Harkla YouTube ​​https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily  Harkla Instagram https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/  Harkla Digital Courses https://harkla.co/collections/courses

    29 min

  6. 20 May

    #409 - Using Vibration Plates With Kids: Benefits, Risks & Safety

    Vibration plates are everywhere right now, but how do you actually use them safely and effectively with kids? In this episode, I’m diving into one of my favorite tools and sharing how I use vibration plates in therapy, what the research is saying, and what families and therapists need to know before trying one at home. I talk about how vibration plates work, why they were originally developed, and why they can be such a powerful tool for sensory regulation, body awareness, muscle activation, and reflex integration. I also share some of the biggest safety considerations, including when to avoid using vibration plates, what signs to watch for during sessions, and why “low and slow” is always the best place to start. Throughout the episode, I walk through practical ways I incorporate vibration plates into therapy sessions using functional activities instead of just having kids stand on them. From balance work and yoga flows to games, primitive reflex activities, and sensory integration exercises, I share ideas that make this tool purposeful and engaging. I also discuss what current research is showing around toe walking, constipation, cerebral palsy, and sensory regulation, along with how I decide whether a vibration plate might be helpful for a child at home versus something better used in a clinical setting. This episode is designed to help you feel more informed, more confident, and more thoughtful about using vibration plates with kids in a way that supports the nervous system safely and intentionally. Thanks for listening 🩷If you’ve ever used a vibration plate with your child or in therapy, I’d love to hear about your experience! LINKS We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3  LifePro Vibration Plates https://lifeprofitness.com/collections/vibration-therapy  Therapeutic Use of Vibration Plates Webinar https://sensationalbrain.com/product/vibration-plates-pediatric-occupational-therapy/  All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/  Harkla Website  https://harkla.co/  Harkla YouTube ​​https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily  Harkla Instagram https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/  Harkla Digital Courses https://harkla.co/collections/courses

    16 min

  7. 13 May

    #408 - Proprioception: What It Is and Why It Matters

    If your child is constantly crashing into things, squeezing you a little too tight, or always on the move, there’s a good chance they're seeking out proprioceptive input. In this episode, we’re breaking down one of the most important (and often overlooked) sensory systems and why it can feel like a “secret tool” when it comes to regulation. We talk about what proprioception actually is, how it helps with body awareness, and why so many kids need more of this type of input throughout their day. You’ll hear why this system is unique compared to other sensory systems and how it can actually help calm and organize the nervous system, especially during moments of overwhelm or anxiety. We also walk through what it can look like when a child is under-responsive in this system, from big, obvious movements like crashing and jumping to more subtle signs like leaning, slouching, or using too much force when playing or writing. We also touch on how this can show up differently from child to child and why it’s not always easy to spot. Throughout the episode, we share simple ways to start using proprioceptive input as a tool, both for your kids and for yourself. From squeezing, pushing, and pulling, to everyday activities like chewing, exercising, or even leaning against a wall, these strategies can make a big difference in helping the nervous system feel more grounded and regulated. This episode is all about helping you better understand what your child’s body might be asking for and giving you a few simple ways to start supporting it in a practical, realistic way. Thanks for listening 🩷 If this episode helped you understand your child a little better, share it with someone who might be navigating similar sensory needs. 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  https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/  Harkla Website  https://harkla.co/  Harkla YouTube ​​https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily  Harkla Instagram https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/  Harkla Digital Courses https://harkla.co/collections/courses

    20 min

  8. 6 May

    #407 - Why I Took My Daughter to a Developmental Eye Doctor (Part 1)

    In this episode, I’m sharing a very real, very personal story about my daughter and what led me to take her to a developmental optometrist. As both a COTA and a mom, I always tell families “when in doubt, rule it out,” and this was one of those moments where I had to take my own advice. I walk through what I started noticing at home, from how she was positioning her head while writing, to her difficulty with attention during fine motor tasks, to hesitations with sports and play. At first, it was easy to brush some of it off as personality or age, but the patterns kept showing up. I share what our appointment actually looked like, what they were assessing, and the moment that really clicked for me when the doctor showed me what she might be seeing on a daily basis. It was one of those experiences where everything suddenly made more sense. I also talk about the difference between visual acuity and how the eyes actually function together. Just because a child can “see” doesn’t mean their visual system is working efficiently. That was a big takeaway for me and something I think more families need to understand. This episode is really about awareness. Ocular motor skills, accommodation, and visual processing play such a huge role in things like attention, behavior, reading, and overall development, and they’re often overlooked or mistaken for something else. I also share how to know who to go to if you’re noticing similar concerns, what a developmental optometrist actually does, and why this can be such an important piece of the puzzle. This is just the beginning of our journey, and I’ll continue to share updates as we learn more, especially if we move into vision therapy. Thanks for listening 🩷 If this made you think about your own child’s vision in a new way, share it with someone who might need to hear this too. LINKS We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3  All Things Sensory Episode #75 The Power of Vision Therapy with Dr. Ryan Johnson https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/75-the-power-of-vision-therapy Best Part Multivitamin https://bestpartkids.com/  All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/  Harkla Website  https://harkla.co/  Harkla YouTube ​​https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily  Harkla Instagram https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/  Harkla Digital Courses https://harkla.co/collections/courses

    16 min
See All (423)

4.6
out of 5
30 Ratings

About

Amanda Mathers, OTR/L, and Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, CPRCS, are two passionate pediatric therapy practitioners 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, where our goal is to help those with special needs live happy and healthy lives

Information

  • Creator
    Amanda Mathers, OTR/L & Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, CPRCS
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    423
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Amanda Mathers, OTR/L & Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, CPRCS
  • Show Website
    All Things Sensory by Harkla

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