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

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271: ADHD and Dads: Creating the Fatherhood You Crave, Larry Hagner 49:23

1h ago49:23

49:23

Struggling to connect with your child who has ADHD can be incredibly challenging, leaving you feeling helpless and overwhelmed. In this insightful episode of Beautifully Complex (first aired 2020), I’m joined by Larry Hagner, founder of the Dad Edge podcast and father of four boys, to explore how dads can create the fatherhood they crave. Larry div…

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

9h ago18:16

18:16

Free Primitive Reflex Webinar Primitive Reflex Digital Course One 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 episo…

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270: 3 Steps to Empower Confidence in Your Teen, with Kristi Simons 31:17

7d ago31:17

31:17

Feeling like your teen or young adult is struggling to find their confidence and navigate the ups and downs of life? In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I sit down with teen life coach, Kristi Simons, to provide strategies to empower confidence in your teen. Kristi delves into the importance of allowing your teen to experience their own emotion…

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

7d 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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269: Reclaiming Community: Climate, Parenting, and Social Connections, with Bill Weir 33:15

14d ago33:15

33:15

We’ve all but outright rejected the old adage, “It takes a village to raise a child,” in American culture. We’re more fragmented and lonely than ever. Yet, there’s clear evidence that community and connection are key to happiness. It certainly takes a community to raise a happy and resilient child, even if “community” looks different in modern life…

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

14d 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 e…

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268: What to Do When Importance Doesn’t Create Motivation, with Penny Williams 19:45

21d ago19:45

19:45

In this episode of Beautifully Complex, we’re examining a topic that really hits close to home for many of us — what to do when importance doesn’t create motivation, especially for our neurodivergent kids. I know firsthand how challenging it can be to get our kids started and keep them going on tasks that matter, but don’t necessarily excite them. …

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

21d 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…

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267: The Myth of Laziness, with Adam Price, Ph.D. 22:51

28d ago22:51

22:51

Today, I'm so excited to be talking with Dr. Adam Price, a nationally known clinical psychologist and best-selling author with over 30 years of experience working with kids and adults. He's the author of "He's Not Lazy: Empowering Your Son to Believe in Himself" and "The He's Not Lazy Guide to Better Grades and a Great Life." In this episode, we’re…

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

28d 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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266: A Summertime Plan that Can Work for Everyone, with Penny Williams 23:46

1M ago23:46

23:46

In this episode of Beautifully Complex, we’re focusing on making summertime rewarding and manageable for neurodiverse families. I’ll guide you through a summer plan that encompasses structured activities, personal growth, and meaningful connections. This episode is packed with strategies starting with how to create an adaptable visual plan using to…

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

1M 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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265: Strategies for Young Autistic Learners, with Tara Phillips, SLP 36:24

1M ago36:24

36:24

In this episode, I’m joined by Tara Phillips, speech language pathologist and founder of Autism Little Learners. She shares some transformative tools and techniques which have significantly benefited her students, such as the use of visual supports and predictable routines. Together, Tara and I explore the importance of positive connections and a s…

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

1M 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…

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264: Handling Behavior Struggles with Dignity, with Wendy Snyder 28:11

2M ago28:11

28:11

This time on Beautifully Complex, I'm exploring behavior struggles and conscious discipline with my guest, Wendy Snyder, a positive parenting educator and family life coach. We discuss how understanding behaviors as communication changes our perspective, helping us view challenges as signals of need and teaching opportunities. Join us as we dive in…

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

2M 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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263: Understood Explains IEPs from Understood.org 16:00

2M ago16:00

16:00

The terms IEP and 504 plan may come up a lot when you’re looking into special education for your child. These school supports do some of the same things, but one can provide more services and the other is easier to get. And it’s important to know the differences in order to get your child the support they need. On this episode of Beautifully Comple…

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

2M 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 ta…

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262: Emotional Support Animals, with Dan Maigler, LCSW 27:18

2M ago27:18

27:18

In this episode, I'm chatting with my guest Daniel Maigler, about the transformative roles of emotional support animals. Dan's insights as a social worker and mental health advisor for Paws for Patrick reveal how emotional support animals can aid those facing mental health challenges. Dan shares the poignant story behind Paws for Patrick, emphasizi…

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

2M 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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261: Extreme Language Around Emotions, with Penny Williams 15:31

2M ago15:31

15:31

In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I tackle why our kids and teens might use extreme language to express their emotions. We're recognizing that expressions like "I hate you" or phrases that include aggression or violence often aren't literal but signal an inability to articulate complex emotions. I talk about the importance of distinguishing b…

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259: Insights on Bullying: Understanding Aggression, Building Resilience, with Brooks Gibbs, Ph.D. 29:35

2M ago29:35

29:35

Brooks Gibbs, Ph.D. is joining me for a conversation on Insights on Bullying: Understanding Aggression, Building Resilience. His expertise in social psychology shines a light on the intricate dance between aggression and resilience — especially in the lives of our neurodivergent kids. In this episode, you'll hear stories close to my heart, includin…

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

2M ago47:23

47:23

Check out our Autism Acceptance Month Sale, now through April 30, 2024 https://harkla.co/pages/aam-sale Save 15% on all sensory products Save 20% on all digital products We 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…

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260: Navigating Life Challenges with Purpose and Progress (not perfection), with Shari Leid 31:46

3M ago31:46

31:46

In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I have the pleasure of talking with Shari Leid of An Imperfectly Perfect Life. Together, we’re talking about purposeful living and parenting and celebrating gradual progress over the pursuit of perfection. Shari shares her deep insights on the value of recognizing and fostering the inherent strengths in our c…

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

3M 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-sale Sale ends April 14, 2024 at midnight! We received a message in IG asking about Brain Ba…

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

3M ago20:47

20:47

Check out our newly re-launched digital course: Early Intervention Blueprint: Sensory and Developmental Milestones for Infants and Toddlers Designed 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 i…

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258: What to Do When Your Kid Isn’t Listening, with Penny Williams 16:07

3M ago16:07

16:07

Let's talk about what to do when your kid isn't listening. Remember, they might be processing your words in non-traditional ways, so it's important to find alternative approaches to help them focus, process, and follow through. From recognizing distractions to accommodating slow processing speeds, I offer practical advice to help parents navigate t…

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

3M ago35:48

35:48

Check out our newly re-launched digital course: Early Intervention Blueprint: Sensory and Developmental Milestones for Infants and Toddlers Designed 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 ped…

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257: The Control Trap, with Penny Williams 26:12

3M ago26:12

26:12

In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I explore the detrimental effects of trying to control kids, emphasizing the importance of a humanistic approach to behavior. After watching the recent documentary series on Netflix called "The Program," I was both horrified by the trauma that the “troubled teen industry” causes and inspired to talk about the…

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

3M 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…

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256: Breaking Down Motivation: Helping Teens and Young Adults Find Their Path to Success, with Melanie McNally, Psy.D. 28:22

3M ago28:22

28:22

In this episode of the Beautifully Complex podcast, I sit down with Dr. Melanie McNally, a clinical psychologist and brain coach who specializes in working with tweens, teens, and young adults. Together, we explore the struggles that many young adults face in finding motivation and direction. Dr. Melanie shares her expertise on helping young adults…

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

4M 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. Succe…

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255: 7 Steps to Help Kids & Teens with Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, with Penny Williams 20:17

4M ago20:17

20:17

In this episode of the Beautifully Complex podcast, I tackle the topic of rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) and provide 7 essential steps to help kids and teens facing this challenge. I share insights on recognizing signs of RSD in kids and teens, fostering open communication, building self-esteem, challenging negative thought patterns, teaching …

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

4M 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 acti…

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254: How to Be a Neuro-Affirming Parent or Teacher, with Emily Kircher-Morris, M.A., M.ED., LPC 35:19

4M ago35:19

35:19

In today's episode, Emily Kircher-Morris, M.A., M.ED., LPC is back and we're unpacking what it means to be a neuro-affirmative parent or teacher. We explore the pressures that neurodivergent kids face, especially the expectation to camouflage their true selves. Emily, with her dual expertise in education and counseling, is sharing invaluable insigh…

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

4M 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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253: Beyond the Power Struggles, with Richard Selznick, Ph.D. 27:42

4M ago27:42

27:42

Today, I get to talk to the incredible Dr. Richard Selznick—a renowned psychologist specializing in dyslexia and learning disabilities. We dive into the traps parents often fall into when communicating with their children, especially those with neurodivergent needs. Dr. Selznick emphasizes the importance of giving our kids choices. It's eye-opening…

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#296 - The Pyramid of Learning 27:08

4M 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), e…

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252: Transforming Behavior: When You Know Better You Do Better, with Penny Williams 30:14

4M ago30:14

30:14

In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I’m sharing a deeply personal story about a challenging experience with my son and the valuable insights it brought us regarding challenging behavior and supporting our neurodivergent kids. Through sharing this experience, I emphasize the need for flexibility and understanding in dealing with challenging beha…

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

4M 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, swimm…

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251: Impact of Parental Confidence and Social Pressure on Parenting Complex Kids, with Anouk Briere-Godbout 32:58

5M ago32:58

32:58

In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I have a candid conversation with Anouk Briere-Godbout about the challenges of parenting neurodivergent children. Our discussion focuses on the impact of societal pressure on parental confidence and the importance of finding supportive communities for parents facing similar struggles. Anouk shares personal ex…

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

5M 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 lea…

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250: Recognizing Children's Unique Love Languages, with Emily Hamblin 32:49

5M ago32:49

32:49

In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I’m talking with Emily Hamblin about the unique ways neurodivergent kids might show their love for you. Emily shares her personal journey of recognizing and appreciating her children's unique love languages, discussing the impact of neurodivergent traits on their communication of love and care. The conversati…

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

5M 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 pla…

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249: Helping Neurodivergent Young Adults, with Dr. Janina Elbert Maschke 23:50

5M ago23:50

23:50

In this episode of the Beautifully Complex podcast, I had an insightful conversation with Dr. Janina Elbert Maschke, an expert in ADHD coaching and cognitive psychology. We discuss how to support neurodivergent young adults as they navigate the unique challenges they face, such as feelings of isolation, academic pressures, and emotional struggles. …

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

5M 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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248: Successes Change Everything, No Matter How Small, with Penny Williams 19:54

5M ago19:54

19:54

In this episode of the Beautifully Complex podcast, I’m exploring the profound impact of successes on our neurodivergent kids (and all of us humans). I discuss how experiencing successes contributes to building confidence, motivation, and a positive mindset, all through the lens of brain science. I also offer practical ways for parents and educator…

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#291 - Answering Your Sensory Questions! 24:57

5M 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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247: Listening Isn’t a Behavior You Can See, with Elizabeth A. Sautter, MA, CCC, SLP 36:21

6M ago36:21

36:21

I'm thrilled to bring you another compelling episode of Beautifully Complex. For this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Elizabeth Sautter, MA, CCC-SLP for a truly eye-opening discussion about the often wildly misunderstood concept of listening and showing that you’re listening. Elizabeth, a speech language pathologist and social cogn…

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

6M 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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Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, AC & Jessica Hill, COTA/L Podcasts

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