The Sensory Project

Today, Rachel and Jessica discuss a topic that is not typically brought up in everyday conversation - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Why? Because it’s not just soldiers who can suffer from this potentially debilitating diagnosis - parents and caregivers of children with special needs can also suffer from PTSD. Rachel and Jessica dive into what PTSD can look like as well as the WHY behind it. They also share some tips for getting help. Share this episode with someone who might benefit!...

Today, Rachel and Jessica chat with The Sleep Fairy, The Bedtime Whisperer - Krista. She is a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant and her passion is helping families get their babies and toddlers sleeping through the night. Her goal is to empower families worldwide and she has so much passion for what she does! Dive into this episode and get ready to take notes! Enjoy! SHOW NOTES / LINKS / RECOMMENDED PRODUCTSKrista at My Sleep Fairy Be sure to check out the show notes on our...

Today, Rachel and Jessica give you all the info on weighted items - vests, blankets, and lap pads. They talk about how much weight to use as well as other tips and tricks to help your child successfully utilize these tools to feel calm, cool, and collected!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 happy and healthy lives. We ac...

Today, Rachel and Jessica discuss the various “early warning signs” when it comes to Sensory Processing Disorder. It’s important to note that if a child exhibits one of the signs as discussed, this does not mean the child “has” SPD - it simply means there is a potential for a “different” sensory response. As always, make sure you do your own research and listen to your intuition. Enjoy! SHOW NOTES / LINKS / RECOMMENDED PRODUCTSEarly Warning Signs - Infancy-12 months Early Warn...

Today, Rachel and Jessica dive deep into tough topics with Amber Grant. Amber is passionate about helping her boys thrive in their everyday lives as well as helping others! This interview was so insightful and ended up lasting for nearly 2 hours! Make sure you've listened to Part 1! SHOW NOTES / LINKS / RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS iCan Shine Programs (including iCan Bike) Rainbow Trainers - Adaptive BikesHost an iCan Bike CampBe sure to check out the show notes on our blo...

Today, Rachel and Jessica talk with the mother of two amazing boys - Amber Grant. Amber is passionate about helping her boys thrive in their everyday lives as well as helping others! This interview was so insightful and ended up lasting for nearly 2 hours! This is Part 1 so be sure to tune in next week for Part 2! Enjoy! SHOW NOTES / LINKS / RECOMMENDED PRODUCTSiCan Shine Programs (including iCan Bike) Rainbow Trainers - Adaptive Bikes Host an iCan Bike ...

Today, Rachel and Jessica dive into a not-so-familiar topic - multi-sensory processing. As per usual, they go through the details to help you understand why they are so passionate about this topic and why they use a multi-sensory approach during their OT treatment sessions and promote it to their clients and community. And stay tuned to the end because they give you their fav. 5 multi-sensory processing activities that YOU can complete! Enjoy! SHOW NOTES / LINKS / RECOMMENDED PRODU...

Today, Rachel and Jessica talk with Nekole, an Occupational Therapist who is passionate about helping families. She specializes in early childhood development and strives to help the entire family thrive! She has her own website, a YouTube channel, and an amazing Instagram account where she shares all the amazing things she knows! This episode is full of valuable information, so get ready! Enjoy! SHOW NOTES / LINKS / RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS Kids OT Help website Kids OT Help ...

Today, Rachel and Jessica talk about oral motor tools - specifically tools from ARK Therapeutic! Giving you tips and tricks to incorporate oral motor tools into your child’s routine as well as solid advice to teach your children how to use these tools. Enjoy! SHOW NOTES / LINKS / RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS ARK Therapeutic ARK Blog Z-Vibes 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 ...

Today, Rachel and Jessica discuss self-confidence and perseverance. So many children struggle with these “skills” but there are some easy tricks to help build them! Get ready to take notes because you are about to get some real-life ideas to incorporate today! Enjoy! SHOW NOTES / LINKS / RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS 40 ways for kids to give back to their community Game Changers IdahoBe sure to check out the show notes on our blog at Harkla.Co/Podcast.Brought To You By...

Today, Rachel and Jessica interview Todd, a chiropractor who has been in the business for many years, in fact since childhood! He is passionate about his business and helping people from the inside out! 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 at Harkla is to help those with special needs live happy and healthy lives. We accomplish this through high-quality sensory...

Today, Rachel and Jessica interview the amazing Jennifer Johnson - a Functional Health Coach (FDN-P), who is incredibly passionate about helping people get to the root cause of their health problems with a self-care model! This is an interview you don’t want to miss! Make sure you get your pen and paper ready to take notes - enjoy! SHOW NOTES / LINKS / RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS Salt Lamp Blue Light Glasses Blue Light Glasses for kidsBe sure to check out the show notes on our bl...

Today, Rachel and Jessica discuss the possibility that many of our kiddo’s challenges relate back to ocular motor deficits. Not only do they discuss the difference between ocular motor abilities and visual acuity, they also discuss the steps YOU can take if you suspect an ocular motor deficit in your child. And the best part - you’ll get 5 fabulous ways you can help your child improve their ocular motor skills! Enjoy! SHOW NOTES / LINKS / RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS Choosing an Eye D...

Today, Rachel and Jessica dive into their favorite tips, tricks, and strategies for making the transition back to school as easy and enjoyable as possible! They talk about sensory diets, brain breaks, and even the food that can help your child increase their success and independence with school routines and activities. You don’t want to miss out on this episode! Enjoy! SHOW NOTES / LINKS / RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS Visual Timer for Homework Wobble Cushion Therapy Ball Sea...

Today, Rachel and Jessica talk with an amazing Occupational Therapist - Tiffany Pollock. She has over 15 years of experience working with children and has spent most of her time working in the school districts. She has so much knowledge in the areas of early development, fine motor and handwriting skills, and how to help our kiddos get the services to help them succeed. You don’t want to miss this episode! Enjoy! SHOW NOTES / LINKS / RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS Click HERE ...

Today, Rachel and Jessica answer one of your questions! They love doing this - really serving you and giving you the answers and resources that you truly need! They had a parent ask about bathtime and water play; so many children struggle with tolerating bathtime as well as enjoying playing in various water parks or pools / lakes. As always, these ladies discuss the “why” behind this specific challenge as well as provide you with their favorite tips, tricks, and strategies to help your child ...

Today, Rachel and Jessica dive into what is the “normal” age for kiddos to complete various activities of daily living (aka ADLs). They reference a tool called the REAL - the Roll Evaluation of Activities of Life - as well as provide you with some of their favorite tips, tricks, and strategies to help your child progress in their ability to complete these daily tasks more successfully and independently. Enjoy! SHOW NOTES / LINKS / RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS Toileting Visual Schedule...

Today, Rachel and Jessica talk all things messy play. First, they discuss the WHY behind messy play and then dive into their favorite messy play mediums and some different activities to try with them. Enjoy! SHOW NOTES / LINKS / RECOMMENDED PRODUCTSBarbasol Shaving Cream Cremo Shaving Cream Ultimate DIY Slime Kit Water Beads 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 ...

Today, Rachel and Jessica interview the amazing mother, wife, and blogger Jenny Saunders! She is a mother of a strong little boy who is “beating the odds one day at a time!” Listen in to hear about how and why she got started, why she’s so incredibly passionate, and how she navigates life with her amazing little boy. Enjoy! SHOW NOTES / LINKS / RECOMMENDED PRODUCTSJenny’s Blog Our LIfe After NICU Jenny’s Resources Cuevas MEDEK Exercises (MEDEK/CMBe sure...

Today, Rachel and Jessica are chatting about the 4th of July. This can be a stressful holiday due to the change in routine and fireworks. While some of our sensory kiddos LOVE this holiday, there are a lot of our kiddos who struggle significantly. In this episode, you will gain some valuable insight as to why our sensory kiddos struggle so much as well as the best part - strategies and tips to help your child (and you!) have a fun, successful 4th of July. Enjoy! SHOW NOTES / LINKS / RECO...