All Things Sensory by Harkla

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, 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. -3 ДН.

    #377 - The Hidden Link Between Sensory Needs, Regulation & Pooping with Sarah Selznick, MS, OTR/L

    Sarah Selznick, MS, OTR/L is an occupational therapist, author, and the founder of Sensory Explorers, a private practice supporting children, caregivers, and adults through sensory wellness, pelvic health, and developmental care. She’s the creator of the online Super Poopers course, helping families navigate pediatric bowel and bladder challenges with humor and heart. Sarah is also the author and illustrator of children’s books that support early learning and independence — including I Am Learning: How to Poop in the Toilet and I am Learning how to Listen to my Body. You can find her on Instagram @sensoryexplorers for tips, tools, and a peek into her playful approach to therapy. Sign up for her newsletter to stay in the loop: www.sensoryexplorers.com 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 Interview with Quiara Smith, OTR/L https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/315-pediatric-pelvic-health-occupational-therapy-with-quiara-smith-otr-l?_pos=1&_sid=a8fdc59f2&_ss=r An Interview with Dr. Steve Hodges https://kidsbowelbladder.com/an-interview-with-dr-steve-hodges/

    54 мин.
  2. 3 СЕНТ.

    #376 - Oral Sensory Seeking in Kids: What You Need to Know & How to Help

    Have you ever wondered why some children constantly chew on clothing, pencils, or even their hair? In this episode of All Things Sensory, we’re diving into oral sensory seeking—what it is, why it happens, and how to support children who experience it. Children who are sensory seekers often crave oral input to regulate their nervous system. Chewing, sucking, and biting provide proprioceptive input that can be calming, especially for children experiencing stress, anxiety, or fight-or-flight responses. Oral sensory seeking is more than just a “bad habit”—it’s communication. With the right tools, strategies, and understanding, you can help your child meet their sensory needs safely and successfully. LINKS We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 ⁠Tips for Oral Seekers⁠ https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/159-tips-for-oral-seekers?_pos=1&_sid=cf200d27b&_ss=r ⁠PICA or Oral Seeking?⁠ https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/263-pica-or-oral-seeking-sensory-strategies-for-both?_pos=3&_sid=cf200d27b&_ss=r ⁠ARK Therapeutic ⁠ https://www.arktherapeutic.com/ ⁠Buzz Buddy (Amazon)⁠ https://a.co/d/8GnT2AV 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

    27 мин.
  3. 27 АВГ.

    #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 мин.
  4. 20 АВГ.

    #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 мин.
  5. 13 АВГ.

    #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 мин.
  6. 23 ИЮЛ.

    #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 мин.
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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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