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, occupa...
#344 - The Connection Between Multi-Sensory Processing and Dyslexia
Check out our new program! https://harkla.co/products/balanced-brain
In this episode, we explore the powerful connection between dyslexia and multi-sensory learning strategies. From understanding the neurological challenges dyslexia presents, to discovering how engaging multiple senses can significantly improve reading and writing skills, we dive deep into the science of learning. We also introduce our new program, A Balanced Brain: A Multi-Sensory Program for Learning and Focus, designed to help children, teens, and adults overcome learning difficulties and unlock their full potential.
LINKS
We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3Â
All Things Sensory Podcast InstagramÂ
Harkla YouTube Channel
Harkla Website - Shop Sensory Products!
Harkla Instagram
What is Dyslexia? https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/179-what-is-dyslexia?_pos=2&_sid=74dc1a6a2&_ss=r
How to Build Literacy Skills https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/297-how-to-build-literacy-skills-and-a-love-for-reading?_pos=3&_sid=74dc1a6a2&_ss=r
Lori Benson Adams - Sensational Brain Courses https://sensationalbrain.com/ceu/on-demand-webinars/?_speaker=lori-benson-adams-med
Research: Rhythmic processing in children with developmental dyslexia: Auditory and motor rhythms link to reading and spelling
Research: Auditory and motor rhythm awareness in adults with dyslexia
Research: Rhythm discrimination and metronome tapping in 4-year-old children at risk for developmental dyslexia
Research: Improving reading abilities in dyslexia with neurofeedback and multi-sensory learning
Research: Effect of Multi-Sensory Intervention Programmes on Fluid Reading Abilities of Dyslexic Children in Primary Schools in Anambra State
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21:23
#343 - How Sensory Processing Affects Executive Function
LIVE Free Webinar on Jan. 20! Sign up here: https://harkla.co/pages/balanced-brain-webinar-registration
In this episode, we dive into the connection between sensory processing and executive function. We begin by defining sensory processing and its vital role in our daily lives. From the basic five senses of touch, taste, sight, sound, and smell, to the more complex senses of vestibular, proprioception, and interoception, we explore how each sense helps us navigate the world and regulate our physical and emotional responses. Next, we define executive function and its core components. We explain how these skills are essential for tasks like planning, organizing, decision-making, and self-regulation. We examine how difficulties with sensory processing—whether it’s over-responsiveness, under-responsiveness, or sensory-seeking behaviors—can disrupt focus, attention, impulse control, and emotional regulation. These challenges can make it harder to plan, organize, and complete tasks, impacting children and adults both at school, work, and in social settings. Finally we share practical tips for supporting individuals with sensory processing difficulties in improving executive function. Learn how creating sensory-friendly environments, offering sensory breaks, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and incorporating calming sensory activities can help regulate emotions and enhance self-control.Â
LINKS
We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3Â
All Things Sensory Podcast InstagramÂ
Harkla YouTube Channel
Harkla Website - Shop Sensory Products!
Harkla Instagram
The Ultimate Guide to Sensory Processing Disorder
The Pyramid of Learning
Executive Function Skills
Sensory Diet Digital Course
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20:37
#342 - How to Use Movement and Sensory Activities to Promote Communication When You’re Not an OT
Should SLPs use sensory strategies during their sessions? That’s the question we’re discussing in this podcast episode! We dive into making sure we stay within our scope of practice when using different tools, how SLPs and other professionals can use movement and sensory activities with their clients, and some specific activity ideas that we know will help your clients, no matter what area you’re working in!Â
LINKS
We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3Â
All Things Sensory Podcast InstagramÂ
Harkla YouTube Channel
Harkla Website - Shop Sensory Products!
Harkla Instagram
Easy Ways to Incorporate Speech into Play
Helping an SLP Implement Sensory StrategiesÂ
Speech Therapy and BeyondÂ
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19:53
#341 - Five OT Tips to Improve Handwriting!
In this episode, we’re not going to talk about how to improve letter formation, placement on the line, or size. Instead, we’re going to focus on how to improve the underlying skills required for handwriting, including postural control, strength, dexterity, visual tracking, and more! We also chat about primitive reflexes and give you some specific ideas to help build hand strength!Â
LINKS
We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3Â
All Things Sensory Podcast InstagramÂ
Harkla YouTube Channel
Harkla Website - Shop Sensory Products!
Harkla Instagram
10 Hacks for Handwriting
What are Preparatory Activities?
Assess Ocular Motor Skills
Assess 6 Primitive ReflexesÂ
Fine Motor Skills Activity Course
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15:20
#340 - Visual Schedules Made Simple: A Step-by-Step Approach
We talk a lot about using visual schedules to help children with routines, sensory diets, transitions, and more. But if you’ve never created and used a visual schedule with a child, how do you get started? We break it down step-by-step, starting with identifying the specific routine or activities you want to add to a visual schedule. We dive into different types of visual schedules and how to choose the right one for your child, how to make it easily accessible, and how to create a system so your child enjoys using their visual schedule!Â
LINKS
Free Visual Schedule Template
We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3Â
All Things Sensory Podcast InstagramÂ
Harkla YouTube Channel
Harkla Website - Shop Sensory Products!
Harkla Instagram
Sensory Diet Digital Course
Creating the Most Effective Visual Supports
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.