The Harkla Special Needs Blog - Actionable Advice by Experts

Want to learn more about special needs?

Check out our articles written by experts and get actionable information about autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, sensory processing disorder and more! You can also receive a weekly email digest of our blog. Sign up at the form below!

Subscription Successful

Check your email for confirmation.

Email Address
Tips and Tricks for Your Sensory Avoiding Child

By Jessica Hill, COTA/L • June 29, 2023• 2 comments on Tips and Tricks for Your Sensory Avoiding Child

What is a sensory avoider? What are the signs and what exactly do they mean? How can you help your child meet their sensory needs so they can feel successful throughout their day? This article answers these questions, and more!
Tips For Parents To Support A Child’s Sensory Seeking Behavior

By Jessica Hill, COTA/L • May 11, 2023• 5 comments on Tips For Parents To Support A Child’s Sensory Seeking Behavior

What is a sensory seeker? What are the signs and what exactly do they mean? How can you help your child meet their sensory seeking needs so they can feel successful throughout their day? This article answers these questions, and more!
Want to learn more about special needs?

Check out our articles written by experts and get actionable information about autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, sensory processing disorder and more! You can also receive a weekly email digest of our blog. Sign up at the form below!

Subscription Successful

Check your email for confirmation.

Email Address
The Ultimate Guide to Daily Routines for Kids

By Jessica Hill, COTA/L • April 18, 2023

If you have a child, you know the struggle that can come with teaching your child how to complete daily tasks, like getting dressed, brushing teeth, and combing hair. Read this article to learn how to help build the skills and confidence so your child can begin to learn how to successfully complete these tasks.
The Best Strategies to Help Fostering Emotional Intelligence in Children

By Jessica Hill, COTA/L • March 13, 2023

Emotional Intelligence (EI) is the ability to identify, assess and manage one’s own emotions, as well as those of others. Read our article to learn more about emotional intelligence and why it's important for all children.
ADHD: What is it and tips to help

By Jessica Hill, COTA/L • February 06, 2023• 1 comment on ADHD: What is it and tips to help

Do you or your child struggle with ADHD? Check out our in-depth article all about ADHD and the best strategies to help!
Everything you need to know about Oppositional Defiant Disorder in children

By Shea Brogren, MOT, OTR/L • January 13, 2023• 1 comment on Everything you need to know about Oppositional Defiant Disorder in children

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) in children is an increasingly common diagnosis. The behaviors associated with this diagnosis can be difficult to address if education is not provided on the most effective approaches. Read our article to learn about ODD, what causes it, and the best ways to address behaviors associated with oppositional defiant disorder.
All About Sensory Overload in Adults

By Jessica Hill, COTA/L • December 14, 2022• 2 comments on All About Sensory Overload in Adults

Sensory overload occurs when too much sensory input from the environment causes an adverse reaction. As an adult experiencing sensory overload, you can take steps to help your nervous system feel more calm and regulated. Read our article to learn strategies and tips to help!
Infant Reflexes: When Newborn Reflexes Appear and Go Away

By Jessica Hill, COTA/L • November 17, 2022

At birth, primitive reflexes are present to assist in survival - most develop in utero. Primitive reflexes should integrate - go away or develop - around 12 months of age, some closer to two or three years old. Read this article to learn what reflexes newborns have, how to know if they integrate, and how to help if they don't!
Meltdowns After School - Strategies to Help

By Jessica Hill, COTA/L • September 27, 2022• 3 comments on Meltdowns After School - Strategies to Help

Why does your child have a meltdown as soon as they get home from school? Why can’t they engage and tell you about their day? Why can’t they seem to focus and follow instructions for tasks around the house?

Read this article to learn why and use our ideas and strategies to help!
Sensory Strategies to Help Kids Start the School Day

By Jessica Hill, COTA/L • August 22, 2022

Does your child struggle to wake up in the morning? Do they have difficulty following their morning routine before school? Is the transition to school in the morning one of the hardest transitions of the day? If so, this article will give you some ideas as to WHY these challenges are occurring as well as some tips and tricks to help!
What is Dyscalculia?

By Jessica Hill, COTA/L • August 04, 2022• 2 comments on What is Dyscalculia?

Are you familiar with the diagnosis dyscalculia? Many people have never heard of it due to the small percentage of individuals who are diagnosed each year. However, dyscalculia can be a very challenging learning disability, which is why we’re going to dive into all the details in this article!