All Things Sensory by Harkla

Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, AC & Jessica Hill, COTA/L
  • 4,8 (431)
  • ENFANTS ET PARENTS
  • CHAQUE SEMAINE

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.

  1. -4 J

    #375 - Anxiety in the Classroom: The Hidden Link to the Moro Reflex

    In this episode, we dive deep into the connection between childhood anxiety and the retained Moro Reflex — and how both can impact children in the classroom. From understanding what anxiety looks like in a school setting, to uncovering the role of primitive reflexes, we’ll explore how to support children who struggle with heightened worry, reactivity, and sensory sensitivity. A retained Moro reflex can mimic or worsen classroom anxiety. Kids may: Overreact to sounds, lights, or unexpected touch Struggle with transitions or changes in routine Live in a constant state of fight-or-flight, making it harder to focus or socialize Startle easily, avoid certain activities, or have ongoing challenges with attention These signs may point to an underlying reflex that hasn’t fully integrated. Tune in to learn how understanding this mind-body connection can transform the way we support children in school and at home. LINKS We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3  FREE Primitive Reflex Checklist https://harkla.co/pages/freebies?_pos=1&_sid=be7c6473f&_ss=r⁠ Movements That Heal (Amazon)⁠ https://a.co/d/hyQrYLA ⁠Harkla Digital Courses⁠ https://harkla.co/collections/courses 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/

    23 min

  2. 20 AOÛT

    #374 - How to Create a Motor Lab for Your Classroom That Boosts Focus & Learning

    This week, we’re diving into one of our favorite topics - Motor Labs! These movement-based, circuit-style spaces are game-changers for students of all ages, especially those with ADHD, autism, sensory processing challenges, or retained primitive reflexes. We’ll break down: What a Motor Lab is and who benefits most The science-backed benefits like improved attention, self-regulation, and foundational sensory-motor skills Calm down zones that promote emotional regulation How to set up your Motor Lab in any school space — from hallways to empty classrooms Customizing for student needs including sensory seekers vs. sensory avoiders Simple ways to track progress and collaborate with staff Common challenges and practical solutions to overcome them Ideas for keeping movement going outside the lab with brain breaks, transitions, and in-class sensory tools We’ll also share our favorite resources, from budget-friendly equipment to apps that support motor planning. LINKS We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3  Digital Course Library https://harkla.co/collections/courses Motor Labs - Sensational Brain CEU Course https://sensationalbrain.com/product/motor-labs-sensory-paths/ 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/

    20 min

  3. 13 AOÛT

    #373 - Sensory Seekers in the Classroom: How to Help Kids Who Can’t Sit Still

    Do you have a student who’s always moving, touching everything, or humming non-stop? They might be a sensory seeker—a child with a high sensory threshold who craves extra input to feel regulated. In this episode of All Things Sensory, we break down what sensory seeking really means, why it can look different for every child, and how to proactively support these students in the classroom. We’ll share real-life examples, practical strategies you can start using tomorrow, and the one thing you should never take away from a sensory seeker. Plus—we’ve got a free Sensory Preferences Checklist to help you understand each child’s unique needs! FREE Sensory Preference Checklist https://harkla.co/pages/freebies Improving Focus and Behavior in the Classroom Digital Course https://harkla.co/products/classroom-sensory-training A Balanced Brain: A Multi-Sensory Program for Learning and  Focus  https://harkla.co/products/balanced-brain Classroom Sensory Kits https://harkla.co/products/classroom-sensory-kit?_pos=1&_sid=79e63bbfb&_ss=r Mixed Sensory Needs https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/316-supporting-mixed-sensory-needs-children-adults?_pos=1&_sid=65c45e7a7&_ss=r Supporting Sensory Seekers https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/348-supporting-sensory-seekers-practical-tips-for-every-day?_pos=7&_sid=88bd86b3a&_ss=r Before School Strategies https://harkla.co/blogs/special-needs/before-school-strategies?_pos=4&_sid=5d068f958&_ss=r After School Strategies https://harkla.co/blogs/special-needs/after-school-strategies?_pos=2&_sid=5d068f958&_ss=r School Sensory Breaks https://youtu.be/TzxL6YEBl6c?si=Yt50AQWu1htefhxS Back to School Tips https://youtu.be/o3LdX9NuxYw?si=K3cYJtOJlVdUwAXg Crawling for Brain Development  https://sensationalbrain.com/product/crawling-brain-development-curriculum/ 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/

    27 min

  4. 6 AOÛT

    #372 - Crawling & Ocular Motor Skills: What’s the Connection?

    Crawling is a foundational developmental milestone that does more than just strengthen muscles — it plays a critical role in developing the visual system, especially ocular motor skills such as tracking, convergence, and coordinated eye movements. We’re diving into why crawling is essential and how to help children of ALL ages crawl!  LINKS We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 Early Intervention Blueprint  https://harkla.co/products/infant-sensory-development-course Crawling for Brain Development  https://sensationalbrain.com/product/crawling-brain-development-curriculum/ 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/

    18 min

  5. 30 JUIL.

    #371 - Are Your Child’s ADHD Symptoms Really a Vision Problem? | Ocular Motor Skills & Daily Life

    Is your child/client constantly skipping words while reading, losing their place on the page, or avoiding reading altogether? These might not be “reading problems”—they could be visual problems. In this episode, we break down how ocular motor skills—specifically saccades, pursuits, and convergence—are essential for reading success. You’ll learn how these visual skills impact everything from decoding to attention span, and why children with ADHD, sensory processing disorder, or retained primitive reflexes are at higher risk for visual-motor challenges. LINKS Relationship Between Ocular Motility and Motor Skillshttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11698614/Primitive Reflex Integration and Reading in the Classroom https://jneuroscience.com/2023/02/26/primitive-reflex-integration-and-reading-achievement-in-the-classroom/ Statistics of Infants’ Natural Visual Experience https://jov.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2792416 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/

    26 min

  6. 23 JUIL.

    #370 - Improve Your Child’s Ocular Motor Skills With These Fun At-Home Visual Activities

    In this episode, we break down what ocular motor skills really are, how they affect your child’s behavior and development, and most importantly simple at-home activities you can start using right away to help. They also share how retained primitive reflexes, screen time, and missed developmental milestones can all impact how your child’s eyes work together — and why this often goes unnoticed. Whether you’re a parent, therapist, or educator, this episode is full of practical tools you can start today. Here’s what you’ll learn:  What ocular motor skills really are (hint: it’s not just 20/20 vision!) Signs your child might be struggling with visual tracking or coordination Easy, playful at-home activities for: Saccades (eye jumping) Pursuits (smooth tracking) Convergence & divergence (eye teaming) How primitive reflexes and screen time impact vision Tips for building a consistent and doable home exercise routine And, we'll answer a listener question at the end of the episode. Happy listening!  LINKS We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3  Ocular Motor Skills Screening Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMSVhwIL5wI&t=11s Assessing Primitive Reflexes Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkGDm3t2hb8&t=1s Brock String Instructions https://www.optometrists.org/vision-therapy/guide-to-vision-therapy/vision-therapy-faqs/how-is-a-brock-string-used/ Spot It https://www.spotitgame.com/ Zoomball https://www.amazon.com/Toysmith-6219-Zip-Ball/dp/B00E6DXQU8/ref=sr_1_3?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9wtOAvhcy8jgIIeXS3esac48UmRrA0araB1icT_BW19b5HZVhEuyaKG-Ol5vGUNVEPSfO1x7UHrpflm1GmNTMLbeaernwnXIy-Dku7CqPUBlD9pnMEHeFNF54jWVJcgWOa_UXJ7HbqnmbqssbFeU-NfwXZH5MN1xLnOP5z6dFqN5X0yr4OzQ3EVyl155PjJ6sInCbUUCcQoLp70CERAeNxnQ1wiE6p-IZb6Gd_SrrjT-JrbMONntd9tdIflCvBKEl2mlfk6wwc-Jj20SJKoRAc8LZCOieWhOYy5zQBC9VLA.i5FuA9BWsSe4NReui8vk3vdZFtEmEpBd_hPz8xfAfHc&dib_tag=se&keywords=zoom%2Bball&qid=1752800406&refinements=p_72%3A1248963011&rnid=1248961011&s=toys-and-games&sr=1-3&th=1 A Balanced Brain Full Digital Course https://harkla.co/products/balanced-brain Early Intervention Blueprint Full Digital Course https://harkla.co/products/infant-sensory-development-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

    34 min

  7. 16 JUIL.

    #369 - Unlocking Classroom Success with Reflex Integration with Dr. Tessa Grigg

    In episode of All Things Sensory, we sit down with the incredible Dr. Tessa Grigg - PhD, Dip Tch (Primary) Dip Tch (ECE). She has a wide range of experience within the Early Childhood Education field. She has taught in a Primary School, supervised a preschool with specialist work in the sensory-motor area, worked as a Child and Family Therapist, taught adult students in teaching and child development, and owned and operated a GymbaROO centre for nine years. Tessa is the "Tessa" in Tessarose Productions, a business that has produced music for children for over 30 years. Currently, Tessa is a certified Rhythmic Movement Training Practitioner and runs a Kinesiology clinic for children and adults. Following the completion of a PhD focused on children's primitive reflexes, Tessa now works part-time as a lecturer at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, and is the Research and Education Manager for GymbaROO-KindyROO in Australia. We chat about: How Tessa’s career path led her to primitive reflex research The surprising effects of natural disasters (like earthquakes) and the pandemic on reflex development in children Her fascinating classroom-based research showing how simple, rhythmic movement interventions can dramatically impact learning, emotional regulation, and behavior Why crawling and skipping might just be two of the most important activities your child can do daily How to bring reflex integration into schools and homes without overwhelm Whether you’re a parent, therapist, or educator, this episode is filled with practical tips, lightbulb moments, and hopeful reminders that everything can change when we meet kids where they are. LINKS Tessa's Research Articles https://jneuroscience.com/jnen/articles/v9n1/jnen-103-tess-grigg.pdf https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29529872/ Visit Tessa’s website https://www.gymbaroo.com.au/ 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/

    43 min

  8. 9 JUIL.

    #368 - Ocular Motor Skills: The Secret to Better Focus & Fewer Headaches

    Headaches that won’t go away? Trouble reading or switching between screens? Feeling drained after a day at your desk? These might not be random quirks—they could be signs of ocular motor deficits. In this episode, we’re diving into how visual-ocular challenges—convergence, saccades, and pursuits—can impact adults in everyday life. You’ll hear a personal story, a powerful example of how unresolved visual motor skills led to chronic headaches, and how vision therapy changed everything. We’ll also unpack the key signs of ocular motor dysfunction in adults, how they’re often linked to headaches, fatigue, and even ADHD symptoms, and why primitive reflexes might still be at play long after childhood. You’ll learn simple screening tools to try at home and get expert insight into what interventions actually help. LINKS We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3  Free live webinar on July 16th https://harkla.co/pages/infant-sensory-development-webinar-registration-2025 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/

    30 min
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À propos

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.

Informations

  • Création
    Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, AC & Jessica Hill, COTA/L
  • Années d’activité
    2018 - 2025
  • Épisodes
    384
  • Classification
    Tous publics
  • Copyright
    © Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, AC & Jessica Hill, COTA/L
  • Site web de l’émission
    All Things Sensory by Harkla

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