The Sensory Project

We are so excited to bring you an amazing interview with an inspiring lady - Erin Clarelli! She is not only an occupational therapist but also a certified children’s special needs yoga teacher! She has so much passion for helping children and families and is so inspiring to us as therapists! We hope you enjoy listening to her and definitely check her out on Instagram - y.ot.ga - and give her some love! *This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commissi...

Today we are talking about detoxing after the holidays! This can be especially challenging with our kiddos who have sensory processing challenges as well as our picky eaters but it can oftentimes have a very positive outcome! We will talk about the different strategies, tools, and tricks you might use to help your child phase out gluten, sugar, dairy, and food dyes! *This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.&...

Today we are discussing all things visual. From ocular motor skills, to visual perception, we will break everything down so you can understand just what exactly your child is taking in when they look around the room. As always, we will share our favorite therapy games and activities you can complete with your kiddos at home! *This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. SHOW NOTES AND LINKS Activities for Oc...

Hey Friends! Today we are explaining what exactly the somatosensory system is and the effect it has on development. Of course, we will share our favorite somatosensory processing activities and games that you can do with your kiddos at home! Enjoy!*This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. SHOW NOTES AND LINKS Sensory Bin Book Water Beads Body Sock Be sure to check out the show notes...

In today's episode, we are breaking down the term Bilateral Integration for you! We are sharing our knowledge on the topic, as well as what deficits in this area might look like, and our favorite toys and games to address bilateral integration in everyday activities! Hope you learn lots! Thanks for joining us!*This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.SHOW NOTES AND LINKS https://therapyfunzone.net/blog/ot/fine-moto...

Rachel and Jessica are dedicating this episode to demystifying executive functioning! This is a topic that doesn’t get much attention, but we are determined to help you and your family understand how to improve your child’s executive functioning skills, (and how you are already working on these skills on a daily basis!) Thanks for joining us!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 mi...

In today’s episode, Rachel and Jessica discuss two topics that occupational therapists frequently get asked about: toe walking and w-sitting. These topics can be somewhat controversial however are frequently seen in children with sensory processing concerns. Rachel and Jessica provide information regarding why some children toe walk and w-sit as well as strategies to decrease both.Shownotes Info on W SittingInfo on toe walkingGames to cross midlineBe sure to check out the show notes on o...

Buying gifts for your child can be exciting and fulfilling however for some families, searching for the perfect gift for a child with sensory processing challenges can be more challenging than fulfilling. Rachel and Jessica are here to help! Using their experience as occupational therapy assistants working with children, they provide a whole list of equipment, toys, and games that can be the perfect holiday gift for a special needs child. Enjoy!Show Notes YogarillaSpot ItBody Pod Sensory...

Let’s talk about what occupational therapists REALLY do! Not only do they help people, but they really focus on helping people complete daily life tasks. These are called ADLs and IADLs - activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living. Especially with children, these daily life tasks are so important and can create such a challenge for families with children with special needs! So, get ready to hear about how you, as a parent or caregiver or even as a therapist, can he...

Let’s talk about one of our hidden senses - the vestibular system. This is a very important part of sensory integration and most children with sensory processing challenges will have significant difficulties processing and modulation vestibular input throughout their day. Rachel and Jessica are going to give you the low-down on what this system is, how it works, and how you can incorporate it into your child’s daily routine to help with emotional regulation, attention, safety, and overall suc...

Get ready for an amazing interview today! Angela and her husband, Shawn, are the parents of two children, one with special needs. During today’s episode, they will talk about their trials, their triumphs, and will give simple advice to other parents. They will dive into the various things they’ve tried with their son - including things that have not worked for them. After the interview, Rachel and Jessica will discuss key takeaways from a therapist’s perspective. Shownotes Book for ...

Did you know that we have more than 7 senses? We have a hidden 8th sense that most people don’t know about - interoception. Rachel and Jessica are here today to give you the 411 on this hidden sense as well as why it can be such a challenge for children with sensory processing challenges. And of course, you will be provided with tips and strategies to help your child increase their ability to process and modulate all the sensory input related to this hidden sense, interoception. Be sure ...

Halloween is here and for families with children with sensory processing challenges, it can be a stressful holiday. In today’s episode, Rachel and Jessica discuss the reasons behind sensory overload during Halloween as well as tips and strategies to not only help you and your sensory kiddo survive but to also have a good experience!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 H...

In today’s episode, Rachel and Jessica discuss the underlying skills related to handwriting as well as deficits associated with these skills. They also dive into simple, at home strategies and activities that you can incorporate into your child’s routine in order to increase their hand strength, fine and visual motor skills, and overall handwriting abilities! 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...

This week, Rachel and Jessica discuss the process of disciplining a ‘sensory kiddo.’ They will dive into why children with sensory processing challenges have behaviors (as it relates to their sensory systems), ideas for how to intervene and help your child during a behavior, and how to implement strategies into your daily routine to help your child manage their behaviors. Always remember that no two children are the same and not all of the ideas and strategies discussed in this episode will w...

In this episode, Rachel and Jessica will introduce you to primitive reflexes. They will share general information regarding what they are, why we have them, and what happens if our bodies don’t integrate them properly. They will also briefly discuss activities that can be completed in order to work on integrating some of the different primitive reflexes in order to increase overall sensory integration.Be sure to check out the show notes on our blog at Harkla.Co/Podcast.Brought To You By...

Today we’re talking about those kiddos that are over-responsive to sensory input, aka, sensory avoiders. They often slip between the lines and their deficits go unnoticed, making it challenging to get them the help that they need! We’re going to explain what it means, how it affects your child, and of course, tips, tricks and strategies to increase awareness and implement beneficial activities into your daily life.Be sure to check out the show notes on our blog at Harkla.Co/Podcast.Brou...

Today’s episode is all about the pros and cons of getting a diagnosis for your child. Rachel and Jessica explain how to find resources for a diagnosis, what to expect if you do / do not get a diagnosis, and whether you should or should not pursue a diagnosis- from a therapist’s perspective. This controversial topic can be scary and hard to manage so if you’re struggling with deciding to chase down a diagnosis, this is the episode for you! Be sure to check out the show notes on our ...

In today’s episode, Rachel and Jessica talk briefly about nutrition and extensively about picky eating and feeding therapy. Children with sensory processing challenges often time have feeding issues and this episode dives into the why, the how, and the tools and strategies you can use to help your child become a successful eater.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 Hark...

In today’s episode, Rachel and Jessica talk about children who are labeled as “sensory seekers.” There are a lot of misconceptions regarding these children and the reasons behind their “behaviors.” Today, Rachel and Jessica will discuss the underlying reasons why some children seek more input than others, how they can receive the appropriate amount of input to help them be successful in their everyday routines, and demystify the idea that these children are “the bad kids.” Be sure to ch...