Best Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, AC & Jessica Hill, COTA/L Podcasts (2024)

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#322 - Using Play and Connection for Successful Sensory Diets 20:20

36m ago20:20

20:20

We received a question on Instagram: “Help! My child won't participate in their sensory diet!” And today’s episode is all about how you can help your child complete their sensory diet routine so they feel more cool, calm, and regulated! First we talk about play - this is a child’s main occupation - and how using play during the sensory diet is the …

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#321 - Brain Mapping with Dr. Laura from Connect My Brain 55:39

10d ago55:39

55:39

Dr. Laura Hanson, D.C., MS, QEEG-DL, D.I.C.C.P., NDT, BCN, CAS is a board-certified chiropractic pediatric diplomate, QEEG diplomate, and Neurofeedback specialist. In addition, she is a neuro-developmental therapist, holds a Master’s in Sports Health Science with a concentration in Nutrition, and is a Certified Autism Specialist. She has held facul…

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#320 - Creating Effective and Fun OT Sessions in the School Setting 23:55

8d ago23:55

23:55

Improving Focus and Behavior in the Classroom Digital Course for Educators and TherapistsSchool is about to start for many families, so today’s podcast episode is all about how to create effective occupational therapy sessions in the school setting.If you’re a therapist working in the schools, this episode is full of tips and strategies for impleme…

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#319 - 5 Sensory Strategies for Teachers to Implement into the Classroom Immediately! 20:03

15d ago20:03

20:03

School is almost here and we’re diving into 5 things that teachers can do in the classroom to help their students!We talk about adaptive seating, using regular sensory breaks, finding different ways to establish natural consequences within the classroom, keeping recess, and more!Improving Focus and Behavior in the Classroom Digital Course for Educa…

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#318 - What's Next? Maintenance Program After Integrating Primitive Reflexes 16:06

22d ago16:06

16:06

Today we’re answering a question that we received from Instagram: “Can you talk about the end point of reflex integration work. What does that look like?”We chat about what a reflex integration program looks like and how to create a “maintenance” program afterwards.Be sure to check out all of the links below!Free Primitive Reflex WebinarFull Primit…

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#317 - Equine-Assisted Therapy in OT and PT 54:29

29d ago54:29

54:29

Watch this video - https://youtu.be/PkylhDc0sOY?si=k7gjWbpOixhbWLYrRenee Anderson has been a physical therapist since 2017. She worked in an orthopedic outpatient setting until early 2021, and then started to work at HETRA (Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy) as a therapist utilizing horse movement in her treatment. She loves to see the pr…

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#316 - Supporting Mixed Sensory Needs in Children and Adults 25:30

1M ago25:30

25:30

We talk a lot about sensory seekers and sensory avoiders, but it’s very common - and to be expected - that a child will have mixed sensory needs.What does this mean exactly? And how can we help provide the just-right sensory input to help a child feel calm and regulated when they have mixed sensory needs?!In this episode, we talk about personalized…

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#315 - Pediatric Pelvic Health Occupational Therapy with Quiara Smith, OTR/L 46:35

1M ago46:35

46:35

Quiara Smith an Expert Pediatric Pelvic Health Occupational Therapist who is the CEO/Director of Aloha Integrative Therapy, the first boutique private OT practice exclusively created to treat children with toileting difficulties, pediatric pelvic floor dysfunction, and bowel and bladder disorders. Quiara has been a practicing pediatric OT for over …

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#314 - Increasing Motivation to Complete Challenging Primitive Reflex Integration Activities 18:16

2M ago18:16

18:16

Free Primitive Reflex WebinarPrimitive Reflex Digital CourseOne of our favorite things about our digital courses is that you can ask questions and start conversations inside of the course! We have a comment forum within each module of each course, and we LOVE getting in there to answer questions, brainstorm, and chat about progress!Today’s episode …

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#313 - Parenting at Your Child's Pace: The Integrative Pediatrician’s Guide to the First Three Years 47:26

2M ago47:26

47:26

Joel Warsh, MD, is a Board-Certified Pediatrician in Los Angeles, California, specializing in Parenting, Wellness, and Integrative Medicine. He grew up in Toronto, Canada, and completed degrees in Kinesiology, Psychology, Epidemiology, and Community Health before earning his medical degree from Thomas Jefferson Medical College. He completed his Ped…

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#312 - Supporting Gestalt Language Processors in Occupational Therapy Sessions 23:03

2M ago23:03

23:03

Today’s episode is an “interview” with Jessica! We’re chatting all about Gestalt Language Processing, using AAC in occupational therapy sessions, collaborating with speech therapists, transitions with non-speaking / pre-verbal clients, and more!Although Jessica is not an expert in language and communication, she works closely with an SLP who has ex…

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#311 - Teaching You How to Set Up Obstacle Courses that Target Multiple Goals 20:30

2M ago20:30

20:30

Have you ever wondered why we always recommend obstacle courses for kids during therapy and at home?It’s because they have so many benefits!Today’s episode is all about WHY obstacle courses are so beneficial and how to set up obstacle courses for all children!We talk about our favorite equipment pieces to use, how to identify the number of steps in…

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#310 - Answering Your Sensory and OT Questions 18:52

3M ago18:52

18:52

In this episode, we are answering your questions. We talk about strategies for helping an 8 year old with toileting skills, toddler sleep challenges, games that help with teaching the Zones of Regulation, how to help a 4 year old wake up easier, tips for parents who are ‘touched out’ with their sensory seeking child, and ideas for a toddler who see…

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#309 - In-Home Neurofeedback Training with Vital Neuro Headphones ft. Co-founder Alex Doman 40:31

3M ago40:31

40:31

Alex Doman is an entrepreneur, bestselling author, psychoacoustic music producer, and TEDx speaker with more than thirty years of experience in neurotechnology. His mission is to help others achieve their optimal potential and become the best version of themselves. The third generation in a family of pioneers dedicated to improving people's brain p…

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#308 - Simple, Effective Heavy Work Activities in the School Setting 33:45

3M ago33:45

33:45

We received a question from an OT practitioner working in the schools: What are some simple proprioceptive activities that I can do with my students that don’t require a lot of space or equipment?Tune in for a discussion all about proprioception and get some new ideas for using heavy work and deep pressure in the school setting.Make sure to check o…

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#307 - Social Emotional Learning, Sensory Corners, and Fidgets with Jewelisa Blanks, M.Ed, Founder of Gifts of Joy 41:01

3M ago41:01

41:01

Jewelisa Blanks, a respected public speaker and seasoned educator, has devoted her professional life to empowering teachers and students. A proud graduate of The Ohio State University, Jewelisa spent over seven years serving in the public education sector, fostering a deep understanding of the field over her ten years of educational experience. Lev…

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#306 - Curious About Primitive Reflexes? Answering Common Questions! 29:58

4M ago29:58

29:58

We are answering questions that we’ve received inside our primitive reflex digital course, Assessment And Integration Of Primitive Reflexes For Improved Independence In Daily Activities.One of our favorite things about our digital course is that you can ask questions inside the course, start discussions, and get feedback!In today’s episode, we talk…

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#305 - The Future of Preventative Health Through Gene Snips with Dr. Jade Dandy, NMD, MSiMR 52:09

4M ago52:09

52:09

Dr. Jade Dandy is an Idaho native and fell in love with Naturopathic medicine at a young age. She graduated from National University of Natural Medicine (NUMN) in 2015. Focusing on chronic illness, she earned her Doctorates in Natural Medicine as well as Masters of Science in Integrative Medicine Research. Dr. Dandy is an advocate for her patients’…

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#304 - Therapist Mentoring Session: Setting Up a Sensory Diet for Teletherapy Clients in Schools 47:23

4M ago47:23

47:23

Check out our Autism Acceptance Month Sale, now through April 30, 2024 https://harkla.co/pages/aam-saleSave 15% on all sensory productsSave 20% on all digital productsWe recently completed a 2-on-1 mentoring session with a fellow OT practitioner.We discussed some simple activities to do with her young child as well as brainstormed ideas for her tel…

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#303 - You Should Be Skeptical if Someone Says They Will "Cure" Your Child's Neurological Diagnosis 16:04

5M ago16:04

16:04

April is OT Month and we’re celebrating with a HUGE sale on our digital courses!If you’re an occupational therapy practitioner, you can earn your CE with our courses that are approved through AOTA!Check out the SALE here - https://harkla.co/pages/ot-month-saleSale ends April 14, 2024 at midnight!We received a message in IG asking about Brain Balanc…

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#302 - Therapy Regression: What is it and Why Does it Happen? 20:47

4M ago20:47

20:47

Check out our newly re-launched digital course: Early Intervention Blueprint: Sensory and Developmental Milestones for Infants and ToddlersDesigned for new and expecting parents, as well as therapists and professionals working with children ages birth - 4 years.OTs and OTAs - earn 11 CEU contact hours through AOTA with this digital course!What is r…

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#301 - Does Your Toddler Have ADHD, SPD or Are They Acting in Typical Toddler Ways? 35:48

5M ago35:48

35:48

Check out our newly re-launched digital course: Early Intervention Blueprint: Sensory and Developmental Milestones for Infants and ToddlersDesigned for new and expecting parents, as well as therapists and professionals working with children ages birth - 4 years. OTs and OTAs - earn 11 CEU contact hours through AOTA with this digital course!As pedia…

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#300 - 7 Therapeutic Activities with Hula Hoops 21:59

5M ago21:59

21:59

Get ready for an episode full of simple, straightforward activities using one piece of equipment - a hula hoop!We dive into the benefits of this single piece of equipment, why you should have one in your home and multiple in your clinic and school, and then we jump right into our 7 favorite activities using hula hoops!Some of these activities can b…

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#299 - When is the Right Time to Discharge from OT? 21:15

5M ago21:15

21:15

Our goal with OT when working with pediatric clients is to help the children and their families get through the day easier, learn the skills necessary for ADLs and IADLs, provide emotional regulation tools for all environments that the child is in, and ultimately be successful in all occupations of life that the child wants to participate in.Succes…

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#298 - 10 Therapeutic Activities With a Yoga Ball 22:12

5M ago22:12

22:12

Get ready for an episode full of simple, straightforward activities using one piece of equipment - a yoga/therapy ball!We dive into the benefits of this single piece of equipment, why you should have one in your home and multiple in your clinic and school, and then we jump right into our 10 favorite activities using a yoga ball!Some of these activi…

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#297 - How to Build Literacy Skills and a Love for Reading 48:46

6M ago48:46

48:46

Sami Carrick is a Child Development & Certified Reading Specialist (M.Ed) who shares (research based) tips for busy parents to take a proactive approach to learning and reading in schools by building a really strong foundation in the younger years and really looking at the whole child. She believes that we can prevent a lot of learning struggles an…

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#296 - The Pyramid of Learning 27:08

6M ago27:08

27:08

What is the Pyramid of Learning and why is it important?Williams and Shellenberger (1996) formulated this pyramid of learning and it highlights how sensory integration processing relates to the child’s learning process.This simple visual aide explains how academic learning, daily living activities (like brushing your teeth and getting dressed), eve…

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#295 - Hypermobile Joints- What Are They and How Can You Provide Support? 26:52

6M ago26:52

26:52

What are hypermobile joints? Who can they affect? What are the functional implications?We dive into these questions, the research, and some information that will be helpful if your child or your clients have hypermobile joints. We also talk about some of the challenges that can be associated with hypermobility.Things like strength training, swimmin…

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#294 - A Primitive Reflex Integration Success Story You Don't Want to Miss! 1:01:35

6M ago1:01:35

1:01:35

We are so excited to introduce you to Jill Gockel, mom of 5, who left the corporate world at the end of 2016 to stay at home with her kids. In addition to raising her 5 kids, she also invests in real estate, has an online business, & is a continual learner.Our conversation with Jill centers around primitive reflexes. She explains how she first lear…

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#293 - Sensory Processing Red Flags in Infants and Toddlers 29:58

7M ago29:58

29:58

What are some things that we often see in infants, toddlers, and school age children that indicate sensory processing challenges?We list out our top sensory processing red flags for infants, including colic, missed milestones, and challenges with feeding.We then list out our top sensory processing red flags for toddlers which include avoiding playg…

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#292 - Eloping: The Why and How for Kids Who Run Away 22:05

7M ago22:05

22:05

What is eloping? When we’re in therapy talking about eloping, it’s when the child runs. They run away from the task, they run away from the situation, or even run out of the building. There can be a variety of reasons for elopement - we dive into these reasons PLUS specific strategies for each potential reason, including: sensory strategies to help…

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#291 - Answering Your Sensory Questions! 24:57

7M ago24:57

24:57

We are your podcast DJs and today’s episode is answering YOUR questions!We talk about challenges between young siblings, a 4-year-old Autistic sensory seeker, a sensory-seeking toddler who struggles at bedtime, strategies for a 2-year-old Autistic sensory seeker who will be traveling, and adopted children who are struggling due to drug exposure in …

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#290 - Nutrition for Neurodivergent Children with the Autism Dietician 59:35

8M ago59:35

59:35

Brittyn Coleman is a Registered Dietitian, Autism Nutrition Expert, and the Founder of the Nourishing Autism Collective. She helps parents of children with autism to nourish their kids confidently in a gradual, sustainable way. Through her practice, she has been able to support thousands of parents to expand their child’s diet in a sensory-friendly…

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#289 - Help! My Child is Behind on Their Milestones- What Do I Do?? 25:35

8M ago25:35

25:35

Developmental delays can happen for a variety of reasons- there’s no one to blame and you are not doing anything wrong!We’re going to share some of the typical developmental milestones so you can identify if your little one is on track or a little behind, what you can do to support their development, and who to reach out to and get more help from.W…

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#288 - Primitive Reflexes: The Basics - Our Free Webinar 1:27:32

8M ago1:27:32

1:27:32

What are primitive reflexes? Why are they important? What are the signs of retained primitive reflexes? How can you help a child who has retained primitive reflexesListen in and get the answers to these questions, and more! WATCH The Primitive Reflex Webinar and get access to the FREE downloads! Dive into the FULL digital course, Assessment and Int…

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#287- 5 Steps to Creating a Sensory Circuit 19:00

8M ago19:00

19:00

What is a sensory circuit? We use this term to describe an obstacle course that is used for a sensory diet routine.A sensory circuit can be used in the clinic as a way to meet your client's sensory threshold. It can be used at home as your child's daily sensory diet routine as well! We break down how to create an effective sensory circuit using 5 s…

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#286 - Listener Question: Integrating Primitive Reflexes in the School Setting 2x Per Week 14:13

9M ago14:13

14:13

Check out our Holiday Sensory Survival Guide, on sale NOW! Shop During Harkla’s Christmas SALE! Save 15% on ANY order! Shop and Save Until Dec. 14, 2023! harkla.co/pages/christmas-saleShop and Save During Our Digital Course SALE - Save 20% on ANY Digital Course, Dec. 15 - Dec. 22, 2023. harkla.co/pages/digital-courses-holiday-salePrimitive Reflex D…

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#285 - Tips for Improving Organization of Behavior 21:52

9M ago21:52

21:52

Check out our Holiday Sensory Survival Guide, on sale NOW! Shop During Harkla’s Christmas SALE! Save 15% on ANY order! Shop and Save Until Dec. 14, 2023! harkla.co/pages/christmas-saleIn this episode, we explore the fascinating topic of organization of behavior in children and how occupational therapy can play a crucial role in addressing these cha…

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#284 - OT Tips for Navigating Menstruation 22:37

9M ago22:37

22:37

Check out our Holiday Sensory Survival Guide, on sale NOW! Shop During Harkla’s 12 Days of Christmas SALE! Save 12% on ANY order! Shop and Save Until Dec. 12, 2023! https://harkla.co/pages/12-daysAnswering a listener’s question in today’s episode:“I’d love it if you guys could dedicate an episode to all things relating to PERIODS.As my daughter is …

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#283 - Strategies to Help When You're Parenting in Survival Mode 35:17

9M ago35:17

35:17

Check out our Holiday Sensory Survival Guide, on sale NOW! Shop During the Harkla Holiday Sale and Save 20% on ANY Order!Nov. 20-27, 2023Shop here - https://harkla.co/pages/holiday-saleThis episode is all about parenting while in survival mode. If you’re a parent who feels like every day is a struggle, or if you’re a professional working with famil…

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#282 - Creating the Most Effective Visual Supports with Tara Phillips, MS, CCC-SLP 50:32

9M ago50:32

50:32

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 …

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#281 - Why We Decided NOT to Get Our Masters in OT 31:52

10M ago31:52

31:52

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 y…

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#280 - 5 Functional Activities to do with a Platform Swing 22:25

10M ago22:25

22:25

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 senso…

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#279 - New Sensory Strategies for a Mom Who's Tried it All [A Mentoring Session] 45:02

10M ago45:02

45:02

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 ->…

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#278 - The Benefits of Play Therapy with Rebekah Springs, LMFT, RPT 44:20

10M ago44:20

44:20

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 ho…

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#277 - 10 Facts About Sensory Processing Disorder 20:08

11M ago20:08

20:08

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, …

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#276 - "Why Does My 2 Y.O. Say Everything is Hot? Is This a Sensory Thing?" 13:46

11M ago13:46

13:46

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! L…

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#275 - Alternative Strategies for ADHD with Dr. David Nowell 57:16

11M ago57:16

57:16

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 to…

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#274 - Our 5 Favorite Scooter Board Activities 19:16

11M ago19:16

19:16

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 …

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#273 - Helping an SLP Implement Sensory Strategies into Speech Sessions 18:31

12M ago18:31

18:31

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…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, AC & Jessica Hill, COTA/L Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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