Shows
All Things Sensory by Harkla#132 - Picky Eating Strategies with McKenzie from @playingatyourplateToday’s conversation is with McKenzie Hoffman, M.A., CCC-SLP, a Speech Pathologist who began her career in the NICU as well as providing feeding therapy in a pediatric outpatient clinic. Her passion led her to create a feeding program, as well as her Instagram account - @playingatyourplate - where she helps families feed their children in a positive and holistic way. Be sure to check out the show notes on our blog at Harkla.Co/Podcast. Brought To You By Harkla This podcast is brought to...
2020-12-1657 minAll Things Sensory by Harkla#131 - Rachel and Jessica's Birth Stories & the Connection Between Birth + Child DevelopmentThis episode is all about birth stories - Rachel and Jessica talk about their sons and how different their experiences were. No judgement, no criticism. Just stories. Can you relate?!Be sure to check out the show notes on our blog at Harkla.Co/Podcast. Brought To You By Harkla This podcast is brought to you by Harkla. Our mission at Harkla is to help those with special needs live happy and healthy lives. We accomplish this through high-quality sensory products, child development c...
2020-12-0934 minAll Things Sensory by Harkla#130 - Advocating for Your Child with Stefanie from @afriendforlillybugGet ready for an AMAZING conversation with Stefanie, proud Mama to the incredible Lilly. She shares her journey with her daughter and her daughter’s Autism Service Dog, Indy, in this episode as well as on Instagram. After listening to this conversation, make sure you follow Stefanie and Lilly, reach out to them, and show them some love! Be sure to check out the show notes on our blog at Harkla.Co/Podcast. Brought To You By Harkla This podcast is brought to you by Harkla. Our ...
2020-12-0259 minAll Things Sensory by Harkla#129 - Is Low Sensory Registration Impacting Your Child's Success? Sensory Diets for Low Registration!As your podcast DJs, we are answering a listener’s question today - how to create a sensory diet for a child with low registration. First, we dive into what it looks like to have a child with low registration. Then we give you our top 5 activities to complete with your child. Take some notes!Be sure to check out the show notes on our blog at Harkla.Co/Podcast. Brought To You By Harkla This podcast is brought to you by Harkla. Our mission at Harkla is to help those with special nee...
2020-11-2524 minAll Things Sensory by Harkla#128 - Making Kids Nutrition Easy with The Lean Green BeanIn this episode, you get to hear from Lindsay Livingston, a Registered Dietitian (RD) and mother to 3 beautiful children. She started a food blog back in 2010, completed schooling to become an RD, and eventually shifted her focus to being with her children full time. Lindsay currently uses her blog and her Instagram page as a way to teach parents that healthy eating does NOT have to be complicated or expensive. She shares tips and tricks for surviving life with 3 littles, cooking with kids, f...
2020-11-1844 minAll Things Sensory by Harkla#127 - Gravitational InsecurityAs podcast DJs, we LOVE answering your questions and this episode is just that - answering a listener’s question regarding gravitational insecurity. What is it? Why does it happen? What can you do to help your child if they exhibit gravitational insecurities? Listen in and take notes!Be sure to check out the show notes on our blog at Harkla.Co/Podcast. Brought To You By Harkla This podcast is brought to you by Harkla. Our mission at Harkla is to help those with special needs live ...
2020-11-1127 minAll Things Sensory by Harkla#126 - Physical Therapy for Children with Down Syndrome and More with Jake KreindlerToday’s episode is a fantastic conversation with Jake Kreindler, a Pediatric Physical Therapist and a Level 3 Cuevas MEDEK Exercise Specialist. Jake has traveled around the world, helping children and families reach their goals. He currently works in New York, performing regular and intensive therapy sessions. Be sure to check out the show notes on our blog at Harkla.Co/Podcast.Brought To You By HarklaThis podcast is brought to you by Harkla. Our mission at Harkla is to help ...
2020-11-041h 02All Things Sensory by Harkla#125 - Stimming: What is it and what to do about it?What is “stimming?” What does it look like? Who participates in it? Why? All of these questions are addressed in this episode, and MORE! We are always looking for ways to provide you with simple, tangible tips, tricks, and strategies and this episode has everything you need!Be sure to check out the show notes on our blog at Harkla.Co/Podcast.Brought To You By HarklaThis podcast is brought to you by Harkla. Our mission at Harkla is to help those with special needs live h...
2020-10-2820 minAll Things Sensory by Harkla#124 - Mama Wellness with Jen from Blossoming Moms Co.Today we are talking to the amazing Jennifer Blossom - boy mom, Occupational Therapist, and CEO / Founder of Blossoming Moms. Blossoming Moms is a digital wellness brand that helps overwhelmed moms simplify motherhood using healthy habits and simple strategies in order to feel great and live a life of meaning. Jennifer is also the host of the top-rated mom podcast, The Blossoming Moms Show, and lives in a little fishing town with her husband and sons just south of Anchorage Alaska....
2020-10-2141 minAll Things Sensory by Harkla#123 - Breaking Down Sensory Modulation Disorder- Over / Under Responsive + Sensory CravingToday we are diving into Sensory Modulation Disorder. This particular subtype of Sensory Processing Disorder consists of 3 sub-categories: Under-Responsive, Over-Responsive, and Craving. You’ll definitely want to take notes, listen more than once, and share this episode with your friends, family, and colleagues! Be sure to check out the show notes on our blog at Harkla.Co/Podcast.Brought To You By HarklaThis podcast is brought to you by Harkla. Our mission at Harkla is to hel...
2020-10-1443 minAll Things Sensory by Harkla#122 - NICU, Early Intervention, Sensory and More with Amirra Johnson, from Marvelous MirraclesToday we are talking with Amirra Johnson, an incredible Occupational Therapist currently practicing in Early Intervention in Phoenix, AZ. She is also the founder of Marvelous Miracles, a platform designed to empower and equip therapists and families with the tools and resources to provide capable and confident care for infants and toddlers. She also has a passion for addressing racial health disparities that affect participation in meaningful occupations. Dr. Amirra Johnson, OTD, O...
2020-10-0749 minAll Things Sensory by Harkla#121 - Sensory Q&A - Answering Your Questions from Instagram!Today’s episode is all about YOU - answering questions from our Instagram fam! Topics included in this episode: the visual-vestibular-auditory triad; vision therapy in OT; how to measure progress; primitive reflexes; baby backpacks vs. wraps; tips for regression in school-aged children; sensory integration and trauma; how to assess if a toddler needs OT services; attention and sensory processing; emotional regulation; tips for nail and skin biting / picking; adults with disabilities. Be ...
2020-09-3025 minAll Things Sensory by Harkla#120 - Exploring Emotions and Trauma with Katie Crosby from Thriving LittlesGet ready to hear an amazing conversation with Katie Crosby from @thrivinglittles. Katie is a consultant guiding children and adults to thrive in individualized ways. With a background in pediatric and adult Occupational Therapy with an emphasis on sensory integration, emotional development, the caregiver-child match, and re-parenting, Katie merges professional and personal experiences as well as her own healing journey to uniquely support others along the way. She is also the developer of th...
2020-09-2354 minAll Things Sensory by Harkla#119 - Tackling Embarrassing Teen Hygiene Tasks with a Sensory ApproachWelcome to episode 119! We love talking about all of the “embarrassing” topics and when it comes to kids, there’s a LOT! This episode specifically addresses pre-teens and teens who struggle with daily routine and hygiene tasks. Tips, tricks, and strategies for parents and therapists alike! If you’d like us to answer your question or know someone we should interview on the podcast, send us a message on Instagram @thesensoryprojectshow or email us at thesensoryprojectshow...
2020-09-1630 minAll Things Sensory by Harkla#118 - The Conscious Parenting Revolution with Katherine Winter-SelleryToday we are talking with the incredible Katherine Winter-Sellery, the CEO of the Conscious Parenting Revolution and the creator of the Guidance Approach to Parenting - along with two colleagues. Through her workshops, books, and TEDx talks, Katherine has taught thousands of parents (and educators, social workers, medical professionals, etc.) in a half dozen countries and cultures to minimize misunderstandings and melt-downs as well as to communicate with more collaboration, cooperation, and ...
2020-09-091h 02All Things Sensory by Harkla#117 - The Connection Between Ear Infections + The Vestibular SystemToday we are discussing ear infections and whether there is a correlation between frequent ear infections and vestibular challenges. We are also giving you some simple, concrete ideas to help your child / client improve their ability to process and modulate vestibular input. We would love to hear your input on this topic - does your child suffer from frequent ear infections? Do you notice that they also struggle with vestibular processing? Let us know! What is an ...
2020-09-0217 minAll Things Sensory by Harkla#116 - Navigating SPD, Adoption, Type 1 Diabetes, and Homeschool with Keary from Grace & SaltIn this episode, you will hear from Keary, the face behind @graceandsalt. She is the mother to two beautiful children, as well as an advocate for holistic nutrition, sensory integration, homeschooling, and Type 1 diabetes. She is passionate, funny, smart, and just an all around great speaker! Listen in, take some notes, and go show her some love on Instagram! LINKS The One Room School Instagram - @theoneroomschoolBe sure to check out the s...
2020-08-2651 minAll Things Sensory by Harkla#115 - What Does it Take to Graduate from Occupational Therapy?We love to poll and ask our Instagram fam questions and for this episode, we asked about graduating from OT. Is Occupational Therapy life long or is there an end date? What does that process look like? This episode is perfect for parents and therapists alike. We would love to hear your story - send us a message on Instagram or tag us in a screenshot of this episode.Be sure to check out the show notes on our blog at Harkla.Co/Podcast.Brought To You By HarklaThis podcast is brought to you...
2020-08-1920 minAll Things Sensory by Harkla#114 - Exploring a Unique Childhood Seizure Disorder, with a Special Family Guest!In this episode you will get to hear an open and honest conversation with Rachel’s brother, Brian. Like many children growing up, Brain experienced seizures. Also like many children growing up, he and his family did not understand the why or the how. This conversation is all about what it was like growing up with the unexpected. Enjoy! Be sure to check out the show notes on our blog at Harkla.Co/Podcast.Brought To You By HarklaThis podcast is brought to you by Harkla. Our mission ...
2020-08-1251 minAll Things Sensory by Harkla#113 - Sensory Strategies for Improving Self Care SkillsToday’s episode is all about the daily tasks that our children complete - activities of daily living (aka ADLs). We discuss the reasons WHY a child might struggle with these tasks as well as our fav tips, tricks, and strategies to help improve success and independence. We also share our fav products that can help make these tasks more motivating!Be sure to check out the show notes on our blog at Harkla.Co/Podcast.Brought To You By HarklaThis podcast is brought to you by Harkla. Ou...
2020-08-0542 minAll Things Sensory by Harkla#112 - The Listening Program Success Story with a Father Who Doesn't Give Up!We’ve talked about it before and we just can’t stop! The Listening Program is such an incredible program! And today you are going to hear the inspiring story of one (out of thousand s!) family who has pushed through the struggles and found success with The Listening Program. If you’re not inspired by this interview, who are you really?! Just kidding … but you are definitely going to love this interview, this story, and this family! SHOW NOTESCall Advanced Brain Technolo...
2020-07-2944 minAll Things Sensory by Harkla#111 - Bonus Episode! Is Quarantine Affecting My Child's Development??We’re back again for a BONUS episode! Every once in a while, we feel that a topic is just too important to wait! And this is one of those times - we received a question regarding social distancing and quarantine. Because this is so relevant for ALL OF US, we had to share it with you ASAP! LINKS FOR BLOG The Listening Program from Advanced Brain Technologies - make sure you let them know that you heard about it on The All Things Sensory Show for a 10% discount! ...
2020-07-2334 minAll Things Sensory by Harkla#110 - We are Answering Your Sensory Questions Today!We love getting questions from our listeners - we are officially podcast DJs! In today’s episode, we talk about finding the right daycare or school for your child, the Fear Paralysis Reflex, talking with teachers about sensory diets, deep pressure hugs, core strength, addressing low muscle tone through PT or OT, mask wearing, documentation, and more! If you’d like us to answer your question on the podcast, send us a message on Instagram @thesensoryprojectshow or email us at &...
2020-07-2245 minAll Things Sensory by Harkla#109 - A New Way of Therapy, with Carol Garner-Houston, OTR/L and Co-Founder of Brain HarmonyWe are always looking for new types of therapy, new treatment ideas and modalities, and today we are talking with Carol, the co-founder of Brain Harmony. Brain Harmony is a private medical care company that uses the neuroplasticity of the brain to provide the most powerful and proven therapy to help children and adults with learning and performance difficulties. Listen in as Carol explains the benefits and we chat about a different approach to standard therapy. LIN...
2020-07-1556 minAll Things Sensory by Harkla#108 - Muscle Tone vs. Muscle StrengthDo you know the difference between muscle STRENGTH and muscle TONE? If not, you are about to learn all about it! As Occupational Therapy Assistants, we often work with children who have low muscle TONE. While this is different from muscle STRENGTH, it can go hand in hand (but not always!). As always, we give you our fav. tips, tricks, and strategies to help your child (or client, or family member, or neighbor …) if they have low muscle TONE. SHOW NOTES&n...
2020-07-0827 minAll Things Sensory by Harkla#107 - Interactive Metronome with April Christopherson, OTR/LHave you heard of Interactive Metronome? It is an evidence-based training and assessment tool that has been proven to improve cognition, attention, focus, memory, speech/language, executive functioning, comprehension, and motor and sensory skills. WHOA! Ready to learn more? Get ready for a fun and informative interview this week! April Christopherson is an Occupational Therapist who has over 25 years of experience working with a variety of populations - home health, priv...
2020-07-0146 minAll Things Sensory by Harkla#106 - Improving Your Therapeutic Use of Self and Why It's Such an Important Part of TherapyIf you are a therapist, you have probably heard the term “therapeutic use of self.” Do you know what it means? Do you understand how to implement it into your daily treatments? Today, we talk about what that term actually means and how you can focus on improving your ability to use it, in order to provide better treatments for your clients. Parents and family members - this is a great episode to learn more about what therapists SHOULD be doing during treatment sessions. Do you...
2020-06-2427 minAll Things Sensory by Harkla#105 - Under the Radar Therapies with Jo-Anne WeltmanJo-Anne Weltman is not only a Physiotherapist but she is a wealth of knowledge! She has 29 years of experience working in pediatrics in all different places around the world - South Africa, California, New Zealand, and Canada. She has been practicing Cuevas MEDEK Exercise (CME) for 21 years and was one of the first 3 therapists in the WORLD to obtain her Level III certification in 2003. Jo-Anne is the owner of S.M.I.L.E. (Sensory Motor. Integrated. Learning. Experience.) Therapy for Kids...
2020-06-1752 minAll Things Sensory by Harkla#104 - Primitive Reflex Series: The Symmetrical Tonic Neck ReflexIn celebration of reaching 100 podcast episodes, Rach & Jess are diving into primitive reflexes with a 5 day series. Within these 5 episodes, you will hear information on the top 5 primitive reflexes that they, as Occupational Therapy Assistants, work with when treating within the pediatric population. The Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex, the STNR, is believed to help integrate the TLR reflex as well as develops the upper and lower body coordination. Listen in for all the details...
2020-06-1216 minAll Things Sensory by Harkla#103 - Primitive Reflex Series: The Spinal Galant ReflexIn celebration of reaching 100 podcast episodes, Rach & Jess are diving into primitive reflexes with a 5 day series. Within these 5 episodes, you will hear information on the top 5 primitive reflexes that they, as Occupational Therapy Assistants, work with when treating within the pediatric population. The Spinal Galant Reflex is believed to assist in the birthing process and may even contribute to bed wetting after the age of 5. Listen in for all the details and stay tuned for the ...
2020-06-1110 minAll Things Sensory by Harkla#102 - Primitive Reflex Series: Asymmetrical Tonic Neck ReflexIn celebration of reaching 100 podcast episodes, Rach & Jess are diving into primitive reflexes with a 5 day series. Within these 5 episodes, you will hear information on the top 5 primitive reflexes that they, as Occupational Therapy Assistants, work with when treating within the pediatric population. The Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex, the ATNR, is essential for hand-eye coordination and helps develop various aspects of bilateral integration. Listen in for all details and stay tun...
2020-06-1010 minAll Things Sensory by Harkla#101 - Primitive Reflex Series: The Tonic Labyrinthine ReflexIn celebration of reaching 100 podcast episodes, Rach & Jess are diving into primitive reflexes with a 5 day series. Within these 5 episodes, you will hear information on the top 5 primitive reflexes that they, as Occupational Therapy Assistants, work with when treating within the pediatric population. The Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex, the TLR, is the primitive reflex that facilitates head control. It also has an impact on muscle tone. Listen in for all the details and stay tuned for the nex...
2020-06-0911 minAll Things Sensory by Harkla#100 - Primitive Reflex Series: The Moro ReflexIn celebration of reaching 100 podcast episodes, Rach & Jess are diving into primitive reflexes with a 5 day series. Within these 5 episodes, you will hear information on the top 5 primitive reflexes that they, as Occupational Therapy Assistants, work with when treating within the pediatric population. The Moro Reflex, also known as the Startle Reflex, should be integrated by ~ 4 months after birth. If it is not, it can affect many areas of functioning. Listen in to learn more and stay tu...
2020-06-0814 minAll Things Sensory by Harkla#99 - Learning More About the Zones of Regulation from Creator, Leah KuypersLeah Kuypers is the creator of The Zones of Regulation. Have you heard of it? If not, you NEED to check it out ASAP! Not only does this curriculum help children learn about their emotions, it also helps to teach them the tools to improve self-regulation. Not only did Leah create and write the book, she also owns a small business - Kuypers Consulting, Inc. She also provides training and consultations to parents, schools, and professions by offering workshops on self-regulation and the Zo...
2020-06-0347 minAll Things Sensory by Harkla#98 - The Million Dollar Therapy Hack We Didn't Learn In OTA School That Will Change EverythingWelcome to episode 98! If you’re an Occupational Therapist (or Assistant like Rach & Jess), you probably remember that you learned many useful things in school - but you did not learn how to specifically interact with children. If you’re a parent, you probably remember that no one taught you how to raise a child before you actually had a child (unless you did, in which case please email Rach & Jess and let them know exactly what you learned and where you learned it!). ...
2020-05-2729 minAll Things Sensory by Harkla#97 - Meeting Milestones and Thriving in Motherhood, with KC from @milestones.and.motherhoodDid you listen to last week’s episode? If not, go back and do so! Because today’s episode is also about playing with your child / infant - from a Pediatric Physical Therapist’s view! KC is knowledgeable, funny, and passionate. After listening to this episode, make sure you check out KC’s Instagram - @milestones.and.motherhood - where she shares SO MUCH information that is helpful, funny, sweet, and just plain relatable! Enjoy! Be sure to check out the show notes on our blog at &nbs...
2020-05-2042 minAll Things Sensory by Harkla#96 - How to Play with Your Baby!Welcome to Episode 96! Play is how children LEARN. As Occupational Therapy Assistants, we are passionate about play and promoting development through our play activities. Today’s episode is all about different ways to play with your infant. Using less containers, more floor time, and more movement!Be sure to check out the show notes on our blog at Harkla.Co/Podcast.Brought To You By HarklaThis podcast is brought to you by Harkla. Our mission at Harkla is to help those with s...
2020-05-1330 minAll Things Sensory by Harkla#95 - Burnout Part 2: Therapy Edition with Erika, from Joy Energy TimeEpisode 95! Last week we talked about burnout as it relates to families and clients. This week, we focus on therapists, educators, and any professional working with children and families (or even adults!). Listen in as we talk with an amazing burnout “guru” - Erika - and gain tips and tricks to help when you’re feeling not-so-fired-up.Be sure to check out the show notes on our blog at Harkla.Co/Podcast.Brought To You By HarklaThis podcast is brought to you by Harkla. Our mis...
2020-05-0652 minAll Things Sensory by Harkla#94 - Therapy Burnout Part 1: Parents & ChildrenAre you a parent feeling burnout - too many therapies or attending therapy for several years? Is your child showing signs of being burnt out and needing a different approach? This is the episode for you! Tips, tricks, and strategies for any caregiver of a special needs child who is feeling like they need a change! Be sure to check out the show notes on our blog at Harkla.Co/Podcast.Brought To You By HarklaThis podcast is brought to you by Harkla. Our mission at Harkla is to ...
2020-04-2920 min