All Things Sensory by Harkla

Here's a hot take: sometimes the most dysregulating part of occupational therapy is the clinic itself. In this episode, we take a closer look at how the therapy environment can impact a child's nervous system and why the space around us is just as important as the intervention itself. From fluorescent lighting and visual clutter to noisy waiting rooms, strong fragrances, and harsh cleaning...

I know this might be a controversial opinion, but I don't think screens belong in preschool classrooms. In this solo episode, I share what I've observed as a school-based occupational therapist and why I believe we've become too reliant on technology in early education. This isn't about being anti-screen or anti-teacher. It's about asking whether screens are replacing the hands-on, movement-rich e...

If you're writing goals for primitive reflex integration, this episode is for you. In this episode, we break down one of the biggest mistakes therapists make when writing goals for primitive reflex integration and explain how to connect reflex work to meaningful, functional outcomes that matter to families, IEP teams, and insurance providers. We discuss why reflex integration itself should nev...

If you asked 100 occupational therapists whether they've experienced burnout, how many do you think would say yes? In this episode, we have an honest conversation about burnout in the OT profession. We share our own experiences working in clinics, schools, and early intervention, and talk about the realities that many therapists face every day: overwhelming caseloads, endless documentation, pr...

If your child was born between 2018 and 2022, should they have their primitive reflexes screened? In this episode, we explore how the COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted child development and why Rachel believes primitive reflex screenings should become a routine part of early childhood care. From pregnancy stress and delayed services to increased screen time, fewer social opportunities, and less...

Feeding a baby can feel overwhelming, especially when things don't go as planned. In this episode, I sit down with Kristin and Maureen from Wild Milk Co., two International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), for a conversation about infant feeding, lactation support, oral ties, and what families really need to know during those early months. We talk about common feeding challenges...

If potty training, constipation, accidents, or stool withholding feel way harder than they should, you are not alone. In this episode, we’re talking about pediatric pelvic floor health and why many toileting struggles are actually connected to body awareness, sensory processing, nervous system regulation, and coordination. Amanda shares her perspective as an OT specializing in pediatric pelvic flo...

Vibration plates are everywhere right now, but how do you actually use them safely and effectively with kids? In this episode, I’m diving into one of my favorite tools and sharing how I use vibration plates in therapy, what the research is saying, and what families and therapists need to know before trying one at home. I talk about how vibration plates work, why they were originally developed, and...

If your child is constantly crashing into things, squeezing you a little too tight, or always on the move, there’s a good chance they're seeking out proprioceptive input. In this episode, we’re breaking down one of the most important (and often overlooked) sensory systems and why it can feel like a “secret tool” when it comes to regulation. We talk about what proprioception actually is, how it...

In this episode, I’m sharing a very real, very personal story about my daughter and what led me to take her to a developmental optometrist. As both a COTA and a mom, I always tell families “when in doubt, rule it out,” and this was one of those moments where I had to take my own advice. I walk through what I started noticing at home, from how she was positioning her head while writing, to her diff...

If your child seems to get a burst of energy right before bed, asks for one more hug, one more drink, or one more lap around the house, it can feel confusing and exhausting. In this episode, we’re breaking down what might really be going on, especially for kids who are sensory seekers. We talk about what it means to have a high sensory threshold and why some kids need more movement, pressure, and...

In today’s episode, I’m sharing something a little more personal. This conversation is all about ADHD in women and moms, why it’s so often missed, and what it can actually feel like in real life. For so many of us, ADHD doesn’t look like what we're taught to expect. It’s not always the hyper, can’t-sit-still version we picture in young boys. For women, it often shows up as mental overload, con...

Recess is often the first thing to go when kids are struggling at school. But what if taking it away is actually making things worse? In this episode, we break down why recess is not a reward and should never be used as a punishment. From a sensory and nervous system perspective, movement is one of the most important tools kids have to regulate, focus, and learn throughout the day. We talk about w...

There are a few phrases I hear over and over again from parents, usually right after they’ve tried everything and nothing worked. If you’ve ever been told things like “they just need more discipline” or “they’ll grow out of it,” this episode is for you. In this episode, I share my perspective as a certified occupational therapy assistant and primitive reflex clinical specialist, reacting to common...

Have you ever wondered why your child seems “fine” all day at school… and then completely falls apart at home? In this episode, we’re breaking down what’s really going on through a sensory lens. We walk through what sensory integration actually means in everyday life, how the brain receives, organizes, and responds to sensory input, and why this process can look very different from child to child....

In this episode, I share some honest reflections on pediatrician visits - what’s working, what could be improved, and what families truly need more of in those early appointments. This isn’t about criticizing pediatricians, but about opening up the conversation and advocating for better support for babies, kids, and their families. I walk through common phrases like “wait and see” or “they’ll grow...

There has been growing conversation around proposed legislation that would require children to be toilet trained before enrolling in kindergarten. In this episode, we take a thoughtful look at what these policies mean from a developmental and occupational therapy perspective. We talk about what the proposed Kansas bill would require, how states like Utah already define “toilet trained,” and the gr...

Today’s episode is a special one because we’re introducing someone new to the podcast. If you’ve been listening for a while, you know our mission has always been to support families, therapists, and educators with practical, real-life strategies rooted in occupational therapy. As the Harkla team continues to grow, we’re excited to welcome Amanda, our new co-host and in-house occupational therapist...

Today’s episode is a little different. We’re sharing an important update about the podcast, our team, and what’s coming next as we move into a new season of All Things Sensory.  We talk about Jessica’s decision to step away from her role as co-host and return to the clinic full time, why this transition feels meaningful for her, and what this change means for the future of the podcast. While this...

Can supplements actually support kids with sensory processing challenges? In this episode, we take a research-based look at supplements commonly recommended for sensory processing disorder and neurodivergent individuals. We talk honestly about what science does (and doesn’t) say. In this episode, you’ll learn: What sensory processing disorder is and how it impacts daily life Why supplements are be...

What if movement was built into the school day instead of saved for recess? In this episode, we’re talking about how retained primitive reflexes can impact emotional regulation in the classroom and sharing three simple, powerful activities teachers can use with the entire class. In this episode, you’ll learn: What primitive reflexes are and why they matter for learning and behavior How retained re...

Making friends can be hard, and for neurodivergent kids, the path to connection often looks a little different. This episode was inspired by a question from Instagram and dives into practical, compassionate ways to support social connection without forcing kids to fit into a mold that doesn’t work for them. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why friendship can be more challenging for neurodivergent ki...

Is your child constantly sucking their thumb or fingers and you’re wondering if it’s sensory, habit, or something else? This episode comes straight from a parent question on Instagram, and we’re breaking it all down. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why thumb and finger sucking is considered oral sensory seeking When sucking is developmentally appropriate and when to look closer Common reasons older...

“I didn’t crawl and I’m fine.” We hear this all the time - from parents, grandparents, and even professionals. And while it can be true, there’s a lot more nuance to the conversation. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why crawling plays such a critical role in development How crawling supports strength, coordination, vision, and primitive reflex integration Why skipping crawling may not seem like a p...

This week, we’re joined by Taylor Kruse, movement coach, educator, and founder of Kruse Elite , who specializes in applied neurology and the nervous system. Taylor works with adults to help them move, feel, and function better but his insights are just as relevant for kids and therapists, too. In this episode, you’ll learn: What “applied neurology” means and how it connects to movement and pain Wh...