All Things Sensory by Harkla

Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, AC & Jessica Hill, COTA/L
  • 4.8 (427)
  • KIDS & FAMILY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
All Things Sensory by Harkla

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. 1D AGO

    #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

  2. JUL 2

    #367 - Auditory Processing vs. Attention Issues: How to Tell the Difference with Debbie Baerlocher

    In this episode, we sit down with pediatric audiologist Debbie Baerlocher to unpack the real truth about Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)—what it is, what it’s not, and why it’s often misunderstood. Learn how APD is diagnosed, when to seek help, and why many children show similar symptoms without actually having APD. Debbie has her Doctorate in Audiology and has been working at Elks Hearing and Balance, aka St. Luke's Hearing and Balance, in Boise, Idaho since she moved to the Treasure Valley just about 25 years ago. By the end of this episode you’ll learn: - What a true APD diagnosis involves - Why symptom lists can be misleading - When hearing loss, ADHD, or anxiety might be the real cause - What parents can do right now to help Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or therapist, this episode offers clarity, empathy, and expert advice you won’t want to miss. LINKS https://www.hearingfirst.org/ https://www.readingrockets.org/ 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/

    50 min

  3. JUN 25

    #366 - What Your Dentist Won’t Tell You: A Functional Approach to Oral Health with Dr. Craig Clayton

    Dr. Craig D. Clayton is a functional and biomimetic dentist based in Meridian, Idaho, and an influential online educator with a following of over 380K on Instagram. Passionate about uncovering the root causes of oral health issues, Dr. Clayton focuses on holistic cavity prevention, airway health, and innovative, biologically sound approaches to restoring teeth. As the host of the Dentistry Disrupted podcast, he is on a mission to shift the dental industry toward a more patient-centered, root-cause-focused approach. Through educating and empowering patients, he hopes to bridge the gap between oral health and overall well-being. Follow Dr. Clayton on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/restoration.dentistry More information https://restorationdentistryid.com/ Free resources https://stan.store/restorationdentistry Listen to Dr. Clayton’s Podcast - Dentistry Disrupted  https://open.spotify.com/show/37YIyN9xGxzvT5MkuH9GOD?si=JNrtjoisToSEU80e1asRQw Elementa Toothpaste https://elementasilver.com/ 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/

    1 hr

  4. JUN 18

    #365 - What Pregnancy & Birth Can Tell Us About Retained Reflexes

    Shop our Summer Sensory SALE! https://harkla.co/pages/summer-sensory-sale-2025 Free Primitive Reflex Webinar https://harkla.co/pages/register-for-the-primitive-reflex-webinar-2025 Free Sensory Diet Webinar https://harkla.co/pages/sensory-diet-webinar-registration-2024 We’re diving deep into the why behind retained primitive reflexes. These early movement patterns are essential in infancy—but when they don’t integrate properly, they can lead to challenges with regulation, development, and everyday functioning. We cover some of the most common causes of retained reflexes, including: Neurological immaturity Birth trauma or complications during delivery Lack of early movement (think: limited tummy time or crawling) Environmental stressors during pregnancy Prematurity and other perinatal factors Genetic predispositions We also highlight insights from Sally Goddard Blythe’s work on neuromotor immaturity and how these retained reflexes can show up in both kids and adults. We also respond to a thoughtful question from a literacy coach about a 5-year-old with ADHD. We explore possible sensory and neurological factors at play—and share ideas for supporting regulation and integration through movement. This is a must-listen for parents, therapists, and educators who want to better understand the foundational role of reflexes in child development. 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/ Neuromotor Immaturity in Children and Adults by Sally Goddard Blyth https://a.co/d/dlX4KGI Freebies - Free Sensory Checklist https://harkla.co/pages/freebies?_pos=1&_sid=af3b45f36&_ss=r

    24 min

  5. JUN 11

    #364 - 10 Sensory Activities to Support Regulation During the Summer

    Shop our Summer Sensory SALE! https://harkla.co/pages/summer-sensory-sale-2025 Free Primitive Reflex Webinar https://harkla.co/pages/register-for-the-primitive-reflex-webinar-2025 Summer can bring a lot of fun — and a lot of sensory dysregulation. In this episode, we’re sharing 10 activity ideas to help your child stay regulated during the warmer months. From water play and outdoor obstacle courses to sensory-friendly picnics and consistent routines, these ideas are designed to support sensory processing, connection, and fun for the whole family. We also answer a thoughtful listener question about tongue proprioception and how to support oral awareness in a child navigating speech sound production, balance challenges, toe-walking, and a history of a frenectomy. 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/ Water Balloons - Bunch O Balloons https://a.co/d/0jkzuSH Oral Motor Super Duper Deck https://a.co/d/40Jclqd

    20 min

  6. JUN 4

    #363 - Sensory Smart Summer: Interoception Tips and Tools That Work

    Summer is here—and with the heat, play, and sunshine comes a unique challenge for kids (and adults!) who struggle with interoception. In this episode, we explore what interoception is and why it’s so important to pay attention during the summer months. We discuss how challenges like dehydration, overheating, and sun sensitivity can affect children with sensory needs and how parents and caregivers can better support them through practical strategies, products, and daily routines. We also share actionable tips for boosting interoceptive awareness, from mindfulness exercises to hydration reminders, and highlight summer-friendly tools like cooling vests, splash pads, and visual schedules. PLUS—we answer a thoughtful listener question about managing sensory seeking behaviors at home after school, and offer guidance for making sensory play more structured and less overwhelming. 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/ The Interoception Curriculum by Kelly Mahler https://www.kelly-mahler.com/product/the-interoception-curriculum-a-step-bystep-guide-to-developing-mindful-self-regulation/ Sensational Brain: The Interoceptive Sensory System https://sensationalbrain.com/product/interoceptive-sensory-system/ Beyond Behaviors (Amazon)  https://a.co/d/ft3dFmF Sensory Explorers  https://www.sensoryexplorers.com/

    29 min

  7. MAY 28

    #362 - Supporting Sensory Development Before Birth

    Register for our FREE live webinar on June 4, 2025 https://harkla.co/pages/summer-sensory-diet-webinar-registration-2025 In this episode of the All Things Sensory Podcast, we explore how a baby’s sensory and nervous systems begin developing long before birth — and how expectant parents can actively support this critical growth during pregnancy. From taste and touch to vestibular and proprioceptive systems, you'll learn when each sensory system starts forming in the womb and what factors influence healthy development. We also highlight practical, evidence-based strategies for optimizing your baby’s neurological health through nutrition, movement, stress management, and mindful prenatal care. Plus, we dive into fascinating research connecting prenatal experiences — like maternal stress, illnesses, medications, and even birth methods — to the likelihood of sensory processing difficulties later in childhood. Whether you’re expecting or supporting someone who is, this episode empowers you with tools and insights to lay a strong sensory foundation for your baby’s future. 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/ Research: Incidence of pre-, peri-, and post-natal birth and developmental problems of children with sensory processing disorder and children with autism spectrum disorder https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/integrative-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/neuro.07.031.2009/full Research: Association between cesarean section and sensory integration dysfunction in preschool children: a prospective cohort study https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34511164/ Research: The Occurrence of the Sensory Processing Disorder in Children Depending on the Type and Time of Delivery: A Pilot Study https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35682475/#:~:text=Descriptive%20results%20and%20percentage%20calculations%20were%20compared.,those%20delivered%20on%20time%20by%20vaginal%20birth. Research: The Prenatal and Perinatal Risk Variables of the Sensory Processing Disorder https://www.walshmedicalmedia.com/open-access/the-prenatal-and-perinatal-risk-variables-of-the-sensory-processing-disorder-2090-7214-1000286.pdf

    31 min

  8. MAY 21

    #361 - Helping Babies Thrive: Infant Development with Angela Fritz, PT, DPT, PCS

    In this episode, we sit down with Angela Fritz, a board-certified pediatric physical therapist with a passion for infant development. Angela brings her expertise working in the NICU and shares valuable insights on supporting babies from the very beginning—especially those who’ve spent time in the NICU. We dive into: The role of physical therapy in the NICU Tummy time and developmental milestone tips for infants (including NICU grads) The importance of positioning for development Primitive reflexes and how they influence early movement Practical advice for parents and caregivers Whether you're a therapist, parent, or caregiver, you'll come away with actionable tips and a deeper understanding of the early building blocks of development. Angela Fritz, PT, DPT, PCS is a board-certified pediatric physical therapist who specializes in infant development. She received her doctorate degree in physical therapy (DPT) from the University of Washington (Go Dawgs!) and has worked with infants and children ever since! Angela just recently moved to Boise, ID and works in the NICU and NICU follow up at St Luke’s Children’s Hospital, but was trained in neonatal therapy at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Though her passion lies with infants, Angela has experience working with children 0-18 years of age. She is passionate about celebrating the unique spark in each and every baby, and believes that empowering parents to advocate for, engage with, and support their baby is the best way to foster lifelong success. Angela was also born with hearing loss and is passionate about disability awareness, inclusion, and justice and making healthcare more accessible for all! LINKS Visit Angela’s Website - https://www.bebe-pt.com/services 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/

    57 min
See All (377)

4.8
out of 5
427 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, AC & Jessica Hill, COTA/L
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2025
  • Episodes
    377
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, AC & Jessica Hill, COTA/L
  • Show Website
    All Things Sensory by Harkla

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada