The Sensory Project

Tara Phillips is a speech/language pathologist and has run her own communication based classroom for 25 years. She was at the early elementary level for the first part of her career, and at the early childhood level for the last 10 years.Tara earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Communicative Disorders at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Her minor was in Early Childhood Education. After working exclusively with autistic children at the elementary level for several years, she ...

Today we answer your questions!First question: help for a 2.5 year old Down Syndrome child who drools constantly.Second question: why did we decide not to get our masters in OT.Third question: help for a 5 year old boy who displays a “humping” behavior.Fourth question: help with potty training in an outpatient pediatric clinic.We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form -> https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 Looking for more in-depth help? Sign up for 2-on-1 M...

Occupational therapists have long recognized the benefits of incorporating sensory swings into therapy sessions. Platform swings, in particular, offer an unstable surface that challenges a child's body positioning, promoting improved motor planning, balance, coordination, and righting reactions.By engaging with a platform swing, children with sensory processing disorders can experience sensory integration and processing, leading to enhanced sensory regulation. These swings are specifically de...

Today’s episode is a LIVE call with a 2-1 mentoring client! The family provided us with details ahead of time, scheduled the session, and we jumped right into a brainstorming session!If you found this episode helpful, let us know! Make sure to check out all of our links below! We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form -> https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 Looking for more in-depth help? Sign up for 2-on-1 Mentoring With Us!!Brought To You By HarklaThis podc...

Sensory Diet Digital Course SALE Oct. 16 - 20, 2023https://harkla.co/products/sensory-diet-courseRebekah Springs is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (#T1450) practicing in Portland, OR. She specializes in working with neurodivergent children and parents. She is trained in Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) and in DIR/Floortime therapy, a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to working with children, especially those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other sensory proce...

Sensory Diet Digital Course SALE Starts October 16, 2023October is Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) Awareness Month. SPD is a condition that affects how the brain processes and responds to sensory information from the environment and the body.Individuals with SPD may have difficulty regulating and interpreting sensory input, such as touch, sound, taste, smell, and movement. This can lead to challenges in daily life, affecting their ability to engage in activities, interact with others, and n...

Today’s episode answers a listener's question - “Why does my 2-year-old say everything is hot? Is this a sensory thing or a weird phase?”We dive into the different phases toddlers can go through, gestalt language processing, fun activities that identify temperatures, and strategies for interoception. Make sure to check out all of our links below! Looking for more in-depth help? Sign up for 2-on-1 Mentoring With Us!!We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form -> ht...

David D. Nowell, Ph.D. is a clinical neuropsychologist in private practice in Northborough, Massachusetts. He offers consultations to patients on an inpatient rehabilitation unit and is an adjunct instructor in neuropsychology to graduate students in the Clark University psychology program. Dr. Nowell speaks internationally to clinicians on such topics as executive functioning and non-medication management of ADHD. He is passionate about motivation and deep happiness and helping his clients d...

The scooter board is a common therapeutic tool used in just about every clinic and school. It’s a simple, effective tool that targets a ton of underlying skills. Because it’s one of our favorite pieces of equipment to use in a treatment session, we decided to dedicate an entire episode to it! We are giving you 5 fun, therapeutic activities using a scooter board that you should try including into your next treatment session! Be sure to modify as needed to meet your client’s needs! Parents! Thi...

This episode is perfect for any therapist working with children, not just SLPs! Adding sensory into a treatment session does not have to be difficult. In fact, it can be fairly simple and so effective! Sensory activities help a child meet their sensory needs and feel more regulated, which in turn helps with cognitive development!We dive into HOW to identify a child’s sensory preferences, different sensory circuits to include into the treatment plan, and a variety of free resources to learn mo...

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of sensory-based treatment sessions. Join us as we explore the concept of sensory integration and how it can be incorporated into various therapeutic interventions. Whether you're a therapist, educator, or simply curious about the power of sensory experiences, this episode will provide valuable insights and practical tips for developing effective sensory-based treatment sessions.Make sure to check out all of our links below! Skylight Calenda...

Today’s episode is a brainstorming session in response to a listener question. We talk about different forms of therapy, different strategies for the family at home, as well as tips and tricks for therapists who work with teens who might be struggling with depression and self harm.Make sure to check out all of our links below! We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form -> https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 Looking for more in-depth help? Sign up for 2-on-1 M...

Check out our digital course - Improving Focus and Behavior in the Classroom! Emily Read Daniels is author and creator of The Regulated Classroom©, a former school counselor, and a proud soccer mum. Daniels is an internationally recognized trauma specialist and trainer in the trauma-informed schools movement and has served thousands through in-person and virtual professional development training, workshops, conferences, webinars, and keynote addresses. Daniels and her work have been featured ...

We are OBSESSED with primitive reflexes! Why? Because they are the foundation to higher level motor and cognitive skills! When primitive reflexes are retained in older children, they can cause a whole host of problems - and we want to help with this!This episode provides you with the basics, but if you want more, check out all of our links below!NEW Primitive Reflex Digital Course - now AOTA approved for CEU! Download the Free Primitive Reflex Checklist All of our Primitive Reflex ContentMake...

Welcome to another All Things Sensory by Harkla podcast episode! In today’s episode, we discuss the challenges faced by children with visual impairments and how sensory integration therapy can be beneficial.Studies have shown that children with visual impairments are at a higher risk of experiencing sensory processing difficulties. Sensory integration therapy has been found to be effective in helping children with visual impairments navigate their environment and improve their overall sensory...

After discovering occupational therapy when she was 10 years old, Lauren Grabowski knew that was the path for her, earning a Bachelor of Health Science in 2013 and continuing on to earn a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2014 from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She began her career at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, then transitioned to traveling therapy a few years later, working in a variety of settings. She has now built her private practice working pr...

Jacquelyn Vorndran is a nature-based pediatric speech language therapist located in Durham, North Carolina. Her practice is entitled "Brave Roots Speech Therapy" and she is so grateful to be able to operate this practice and grow it in a way that feels intentional, respectful and individualized. The opportunity to witness a child's wonder and joy in nature is one of the best ways she’s been able to maintain perspective on what really matters in this life! These children and families teach her...

Summer brings a change in routine and often that includes a lack of structure. This can cause anxiety and challenges with emotional regulation.If this is the challenge you’re facing, this episode is for YOU!We dive into some strategies for managing routines during summer - including some resources we’ve created for you! - as well as some ideas for managing screen time during the crazy summer months. Summer Sensory Guide - on Sale through August 2023Fine Motor Activity CourseGross Motor A...

In today’s episode, we are answering a listener question!We discuss the importance of creating a calming and enjoyable bath time experience as well as practical tips and tricks on how to make bath time more sensory-friendly. We also touch on different games and modifications that can be used outside of bathtime. Whether you're a parent of a child with sensory processing challenges or a caregiver looking for ways to make bath time more enjoyable, this episode is packed with helpful information...

Today’s episode is an answer to a listener's question! We dive into what PICA is, its causes, and how it differs from typical oral seeking behaviors.We provide practical strategies for managing PICA and oral seeking, such as providing alternatives, using visual cues, and implementing sensory diets. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or a professional working with children who struggle with sensory processing, this episode is filled with valuable information and insights!Make sure to che...