All Things Sensory by Harkla

#174 - Brainstorming Session with a School Based OT

October 13, 2021 Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, AC & Jessica Hill, COTA/L Episode 174
All Things Sensory by Harkla
#174 - Brainstorming Session with a School Based OT
Show Notes

Something special happens when a conversation unfolds as a brainstorm between friends. That’s exactly what we do during this episode, with Nicky, a school-based OT with a background in in-patient rehabilitation. We talk about how to identify behavior and sensory related problems, and how going to the sensory room and taking a movement break can serve as useful strategies to help kiddos get back into their bodies. We talk through the role of teachers in facilitating helpful exercises for children, and curating a sensory diet to provide children with the ongoing support they need. We hope you join us to listen in on our chat today!

Key Points From This Episode:

  • An introduction to Nicky, a school-based OT in Georgia.
  • How being an in-patient rehab OT compares to being a school-based OT.
  • What her work entails, evaluating kids for special ed services, doing behavior assessments, establishing if something is behavior or sensory related. 
  • How teachers can facilitate helpful exercises for children.
  • Sensory sticks as a tool for regulation for breaks throughout the day.
  • The role of sensory diets in providing children with what they need.
  • Babies Can’t Wait, the work she is involved in with birth to three year olds.
  • How sewn weights with beads differ from flexible weights for weighted vests.

Be sure to check out the show notes on our blog at  Harkla.Co/Podcast.

Brought To You By Harkla

This podcast is brought to you by Harkla.  Our mission at Harkla is to help those with special needs live happy and healthy lives. We accomplish this through high-quality sensory products, child development courses, & The Harkla Sensory Club.

Podcast listeners get 10% off their first order at Harkla with the discount code "sensory". Head to Harkla.co/sensory to start shopping now.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

The Pyramid of Potential
Harkla
All Things Sensory on Instagram
All Things Sensory on Facebook