All Things Sensory by Harkla

By Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, CPRCS

Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, CPRCS is a passionate pediatric therapy practitioner who answers your questions related to all things sensory, occupational therapy, parenting, self-care, nutrition, and hea... more

· Kids & Family

4.8

433433 ratings

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How many episodes does All Things Sensory by Harkla have?

The podcast currently has 462 episodes available.

Best of All Things Sensory by Harkla

The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

Number 1: #420 - Quick Update for our ATS Family!
Hi podcast fam! I just wanted to have a quick pow-wow and chat about what this season is going to look like. As many of you may know already, my son is starting kindergarten this fall and I'll be doing a homeschool program with him. Exciting but also very time consuming! We also have a team member getting married this fall and we are excited to travel and celebrate with her family! And of course, we have been working on a really exciting product launch: My Weighted Vest! It's finally coming to life and it's been a really time consuming product to bring (back) to life! That being said, it's a crazy time for our whole team, which is why we're pressing the pause button on recording new episodes, so we can all find our footing over the next few months. As always, I appreciate your support and dedication! I'll be back soon as your podcast host and give you all the homeschooling tea you could ever imagine! Make sure you're subscribed here so you get notified when our next episode launches! And we'll share all the pictures, videos and updates on Instagram in the meantime: @allthingssensorypodcast Love you all and I'll be back soon! Links We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/ Harkla Website https://harkla.co/ Harkla YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily Harkla Instagram https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ Harkla Digital Courses https://harkla.co/collections/courses
August 14, 20266min
Number 2: #419 - Research Papers Every OT Should Read in 2026
If you're an occupational therapist who loves evidence-based practice, this episode is for you. In this episode, I'm sharing some of my favorite research articles that I think every pediatric OT should have bookmarked. These are the studies I come back to again and again, whether I'm teaching, creating content, working with clients, or answering questions from other therapists. I’ll cover research on sensory processing, primitive reflexes, ADHD, interoception, proprioception, nature play, classroom lighting, whole body vibration, pregnancy, and so much more. I also share why these studies have stood out to me and how they've shaped the way I think about child development and occupational therapy. Whether you're a new grad or a seasoned clinician, I hope this episode gives you a few new resources to explore and inspires you to keep asking questions and digging into the research. Thanks for being here 🩷 If you have a favorite research article that's changed your practice, send it my way! I’m always looking to learn something new! Links We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 Link to All Research Articles Mentioned Interview with Dr. Tessa Grigg https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/369-unlocking-classroom-success-with-reflex-integration-with-dr-tessa-grigg How to Use a Vibration Plate https://www.youtube.com/watch Episode #409 - Using Vibration Plates with Kids https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/409-using-vibration-plates-with-kids-benefits-risks-safety All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/ Harkla Website https://harkla.co/ Harkla YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily Harkla Instagram https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ Harkla Digital Courses https://harkla.co/collections/courses
August 05, 202624min
Number 3: #417 - Fear Paralysis Reflex: Signs Every Pediatric Therapist Should Know
Have you ever worked with a child who seems extremely cautious, shuts down when something feels hard, or gives up before they even get started? There may be more going on than meets the eye. In this episode, we take a closer look at the Fear Paralysis Reflex (FPR), one of the lesser-known primitive reflexes that can have a significant impact on a child's development. We explain what the reflex is, why it serves an important purpose before birth, and what it can look like if it's retained beyond infancy. Together, we explore how a retained Fear Paralysis Reflex may contribute to challenges like anxiety, perfectionism, selective mutism, low self-esteem, emotional regulation, and an intense fear of making mistakes. We also share why it's so important to look beyond behavior, connect with the child in front of you, and remember that your therapeutic relationship is often more powerful than any activity you have planned. Whether you're a therapist, educator, or parent, this episode will help you better understand the nervous system and offer a more compassionate lens for supporting children who seem fearful, hesitant, or overwhelmed. Links We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/ Harkla Website https://harkla.co/ Harkla YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily Harkla Instagram https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ Harkla Digital Courses https://harkla.co/collections/courses
July 15, 202619min
Number 4: #416 - Is Your Therapy Space Helping... or Hurting?
Here's a hot take: sometimes the most dysregulating part of occupational therapy is the clinic itself. In this episode, we take a closer look at how the therapy environment can impact a child's nervous system and why the space around us is just as important as the intervention itself. From fluorescent lighting and visual clutter to noisy waiting rooms, strong fragrances, and harsh cleaning products, we discuss simple ways to create a calmer, more regulation-friendly environment for both kids and therapists. We also share practical ideas for reducing sensory overload, organizing therapy spaces with intention, making thoughtful product swaps, and creating an environment that helps children feel safe, regulated, and ready to learn. Whether you're an OT, PT, SLP, educator, or clinic owner, this episode will leave you thinking differently about the spaces where we support children every day. Thanks for listening 🩷 We'd love to hear from you! What's one small change you've made, or want to make, to create a calmer therapy environment? LINKS We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/ Harkla Website https://harkla.co/ Harkla YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily Harkla Instagram https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ Harkla Digital Courses https://harkla.co/collections/courses Force of Nature Cleaning Products https://www.forceofnatureclean.com/
July 08, 202619min
Number 5: #415 - The Real Cost of Screens in Classrooms
I know this might be a controversial opinion, but I don't think screens belong in preschool classrooms. In this solo episode, I share what I've observed as a school-based occupational therapist and why I believe we've become too reliant on technology in early education. This isn't about being anti-screen or anti-teacher. It's about asking whether screens are replacing the hands-on, movement-rich experiences that young children actually need to develop. I talk about SMART Boards, educational apps, handwriting, fine motor development, free play, and why movement, creativity, and real-world learning can't be replaced by a screen. I also share practical ideas for parents, therapists, and educators who want to reduce screen time without eliminating technology altogether. At the end of the day, technology isn't the enemy, but development has to come first. Thanks for listening 🩷 I'd love to hear your perspective. Do you think screens belong in preschool classrooms? Let me know on Instagram or in the comments! Links We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/ Harkla Website https://harkla.co/ Harkla YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily Harkla Instagram https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ Harkla Digital Courses https://harkla.co/collections/courses
July 01, 202624min