#161 - Finding the Underlying Cause of Challenges by Looking at the Whole Child

There are a multitude of factors that impact children’s abilities to thrive in their daily lives. In this episode, Rachel and Jessica run through a few of the main ones; nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress, and primitive reflexes. They share some useful advice for therapists and parents regarding how to help their children maximize benefits and minimize harm, one step at a time. The overall theme is the importance of focusing on the body as a whole, and addressing underlying causes rather than just treating the symptoms. Remember, just because something is common, doesn’t mean it’s okay! Rachel and Jessica also discuss what the ACE score is, and why it is valuable for everyone to see a therapist. In order for a human to develop optimally, their foundations need to be strong, and after this episode you’ll have a clearer understanding of how to nurture the building blocks of the kiddos in your life! Key Points From This Episode:What The Pyramid of Potential consists of.How human development is similar to a growing tree. The correlation between energy and nutrition.Food related conversations that are helpful to have with children. Possible links between gut dysbiosis and cradle cap.Just because something is common doesn’t mean it’s normal.The importance of ensuring that children have enough sensory input and physical activity in their day.Various reasons why your child may not be getting enough good sleep, and examples of how you can resolve this.Types of stress that kids experience.How to tell if your child is in a state of fight or flight.An argument for keeping your children's interaction with electronics to a minimum.What the ACE score is and the unsettling trend that research on this topic is showing.Why it is beneficial to see a therapist even if you don’t feel like anything is wrong.Trauma that can be connected to a child’s birth experience.Primitive reflexes; what they are and why they are so important to take note of.Improvement through baby steps is the way to go. Be sure to check out the show notes on our blog at  Harkla.Co/Podcast.Brought To You By HarklaThis 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 PotentialHarklaAll Things Sensory on InstagramAll Things Sensory on Facebook

Om Podcasten

Rachel Harrington and Jessica Hill, are two passionate Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants who answer your questions related to all things sensory, occupational therapy, parenting, self-care, nutrition, and health, from a therapist’s perspective. Providing raw, honest, fun ideas, and strategies, for parents and families to implement into daily life. Great for those who work with children with sensory processing disorder, special needs, autism, and ADHD. This podcast is brought to you by Harkla. At Harkla, our goal is to help those with special needs live happy and healthy lives.