All Things Sensory by Harkla

Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, AC & Jessica Hill, COTA/L
  • 4.8 (435)
  • KIDS & FAMILY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 5D AGO

    #396 - Top Three Primitive Reflex Exercises for Emotional Regulation in the Classroom

    What if movement was built into the school day instead of saved for recess? In this episode, we’re talking about how retained primitive reflexes can impact emotional regulation in the classroom and sharing three simple, powerful activities teachers can use with the entire class. In this episode, you’ll learn: What primitive reflexes are and why they matter for learning and behavior How retained reflexes can show up as anxiety, dysregulation, or inattention The connection between the Moro, STNR, and ATNR and emotional regulation Three easy, classroom-friendly movements to support regulation and focus How short, consistent movement breaks can change the feel of the entire classroom Thanks for listening 🩷 If you’re a teacher or therapist, try one of these movements with your group and tell us what you notice. 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

    15 min

  2. JAN 14

    #395 - Helping Neurodivergent Kids Make Friends – OT Social Skills Tips

    Making friends can be hard, and for neurodivergent kids, the path to connection often looks a little different. This episode was inspired by a question from Instagram and dives into practical, compassionate ways to support social connection without forcing kids to fit into a mold that doesn’t work for them. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why friendship can be more challenging for neurodivergent kids How sensory processing, executive function, and communication impact social skills Why quality of connection matters more than the number of friends OT-informed strategies to support social interaction in safe, structured ways How to build friendships by leaning into a child’s strengths and interests Thanks for listening 🩷 If this episode resonated, share it with a parent or therapist supporting a neurodivergent child. 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

    21 min

  3. JAN 7

    #394 - Is Thumb Sucking Sensory? What to Know (and What to Do)

    Is your child constantly sucking their thumb or fingers and you’re wondering if it’s sensory, habit, or something else? This episode comes straight from a parent question on Instagram, and we’re breaking it all down. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why thumb and finger sucking is considered oral sensory seeking When sucking is developmentally appropriate and when to look closer Common reasons older kids continue sucking for regulation or anxiety How to talk to your child about the habit in a supportive way Practical sensory and oral motor replacements that actually help Thanks for listening 🩷 If this question hit close to home, share this episode with another parent who’s navigating thumb or finger sucking too. We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 Z-Vibe  https://www.arktherapeutic.com/arks-z-vibe-vibrating-oral-motor-tool/  Chew Tubes https://www.arktherapeutic.com/handheld-chews/  Chewlery https://www.arktherapeutic.com/chewelry/  5 Ways to Use Proprioception for Calming and Regulation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHdCj8sWtV0  Top 10 Oral Motor Activities Every Parent Should Know https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEXEbyBX858&t=443s  Sensory Snacks Explained https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOswosl5pHg All Things Sensory Ep. 376 - Oral Sensory Seeking in Kids https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/376-oral-sensory-seeking-in-kids-what-you-need-to-know-how-to-help 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

    17 min

  4. 12/31/2025

    #393 - Is Crawling Really That Important? Yes - Here’s Why!

    “I didn’t crawl and I’m fine.” We hear this all the time - from parents, grandparents, and even professionals. And while it can be true, there’s a lot more nuance to the conversation. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why crawling plays such a critical role in development How crawling supports strength, coordination, vision, and primitive reflex integration Why skipping crawling may not seem like a problem early on, but can impact coordination, learning, and regulation later Simple ways to encourage crawling in babies, kids, and even adults How to respond (kindly and confidently) when someone says, “I didn’t crawl and I’m fine” Thanks for listening 🩷 If this episode made you think differently about crawling, share it with someone who says they’re “fine” without it. LINKS We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - ⁠https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3⁠  Why Crawling Is Essential for Babies, Kids & Adults? Infant Development & OT Strategies https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKcDD9FtVIY  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/  Harkla Digital Courses https://harkla.co/collections/courses

    19 min

  5. 12/24/2025

    #392 - Unlocking the Nervous System: Vision, Balance, and Breathing with Taylor Kruse

    This week, we’re joined by Taylor Kruse, movement coach, educator, and founder of Kruse Elite, who specializes in applied neurology and the nervous system. Taylor works with adults to help them move, feel, and function better but his insights are just as relevant for kids and therapists, too. In this episode, you’ll learn: What “applied neurology” means and how it connects to movement and pain Why visual and vestibular systems are key to body awareness and regulation How the brainstem, eyes, and tongue all work together for posture and balance The impact of mouth breathing and poor CO₂ tolerance on the nervous system Practical drills for vision, vestibular activation, and improved breathing Thanks for listening 🩷 Try one of Taylor’s breathing or visual drills and let us know how it goes! LINKS We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 Taylor’s Website https://www.kruseelite.com/ Follow Taylor on Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/kruseelite  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

    1h 2m

  6. 12/17/2025

    #391 - How to Use Vestibular Input Without Overloading the Sensory System

    Swinging, spinning, and jumping can be incredible tools for regulation but they can also lead to overstimulation if we’re not careful. In this episode, we’re breaking down how to safely use vestibular input (aka movement) to support sensory regulation without causing meltdowns or motion sickness. In this episode, you’ll learn: What the vestibular system is and why it’s so important The difference between seekers, avoiders, and under-responders Signs of vestibular overload and what to look for How to safely build up tolerance to spinning, swinging, and movement Tips for balancing vestibular input with proprioception for regulation Thanks for listening 🩷 Share this episode with a parent or therapist who wants to better understand movement and regulation! 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  What is Vestibular Input? (Blog Post)  https://harkla.co/blogs/special-needs/vestibular-input?_pos=4&_sid=58b88ae0e&_ss=r  What is the Vestibular System? (Podcast) https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/21-vestibular-system?_pos=1&_sid=58b88ae0e&_ss=r  Sensory Dice  https://harkla.co/collections/focus/products/sensory-activity-foam-dice  Sensory Sticks  https://harkla.co/collections/focus/products/sensory-activity-sticks  Sensory Cards https://harkla.co/collections/focus/products/sensory-activity-cards  Research Articles: Vestibular Input in Children  https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/11/1/2 Vestibular Activity and Development in Children  https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/integrative-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnint.2013.00092/full Vestibular Dysfunction in Children  https://vestibular.org/article/diagnosis-treatment/types-of-vestibular-disorders/pediatric-vestibular-disorders/part-i-vestibular-dysfunction-children/  Epidemiology of Vestibular Impairments https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6054584/ Assessment of Vestibular Function in the Pediatric Population  https://www.audiology.org/practice-guideline/american-academy-of-audiology-clinical-consensus-statement-assessment-of-vestibular-function-in-the-pediatric-population/ Effectiveness of Vestibular and Proprioceptive Exercises in Reducing Hyperactivity in Children with Autism https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S305065652500015X#:~:text=Vestibular%20and%20proprioceptive%20training%20significantly,significant%20changes%20in%20vestibular%20function.  Association of Sensory Processing and Behavioral Challenges in Children  https://research.aota.org/ajot/article-abstract/78/Supplement_2/7811500008p1/25267/Association-of-Sensory-Processing-amp-Behavioral?redirectedFrom=fulltext

    29 min

  7. 12/10/2025

    #390 - Using Visual Supports for Sensory Regulation

    Visual supports can be a game-changer for kids at home, in the classroom, and in therapy. From calendars and visual timers to emotion charts and AAC devices, these tools provide structure, reduce anxiety, and build independence. In this episode, we cover: The different types of visual supports and schedules you can use How visuals help with transitions, routines, and emotional regulation Creative ways to use timers, checklists, and visual cues in daily life Why consistency and modeling matter when introducing visuals Our favorite programs and tools for teaching kids about emotions and self-regulation Thanks for listening 🩷 Share this with another parent or therapist who could use more tools for smoother transitions and calmer routines! 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  Zones of Regulation https://zonesofregulation.com/  Superflex Curriculum https://www.socialthinking.com/products BrainWorks Program https://sensationalbrain.com/brainworks/ Gifts of Joy Visuals https://shopgiftsofjoy.com/ Solo Boto Toys – Emotional Baggagehttps://solobotoys.com/

    23 min

  8. 12/03/2025

    #389 - Top 5 Mistakes New Pediatric Therapists Make and How to Avoid Them!

    Starting out in pediatrics can feel overwhelming and it’s easy to fall into some common traps. In this episode, we’re sharing the top 5 mistakes new pediatric therapists make (yes, we made them too!) and how to avoid burnout while still giving your clients the best support possible. We cover:  Why staying on top of continuing education is essential The danger of passive treatment sessions How to involve families for better carryover Why a bottom-up approach matters in pediatrics The importance of setting boundaries and self-care Thanks for listening 🩷 If you’re a new grad or new to pediatrics, let us know which tip resonated most with you! LINKS Harkla Holiday Sale! https://harkla.co/pages/holiday-sale 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
See All (405)

4.8
out of 5
435 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 - 2026
  • Episodes
    405
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, AC & Jessica Hill, COTA/L
  • Show Website
    All Things Sensory by Harkla

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