All Things Sensory by Harkla

Swinging, spinning, and jumping can be incredible tools for regulation but they can also lead to overstimulation if we’re not careful. In this episode, we’re breaking down how to safely use vestibular input (aka movement) to support sensory regulation without causing meltdowns or motion sickness. In this episode, you’ll learn: What the vestibular system is and why it’s so important The difference...

Visual supports can be a game-changer for kids at home, in the classroom, and in therapy. From calendars and visual timers to emotion charts and AAC devices, these tools provide structure, reduce anxiety, and build independence. In this episode, we cover: The different types of visual supports and schedules you can use How visuals help with transitions, routines, and emotional regulation Creative...

Starting out in pediatrics can feel overwhelming and it’s easy to fall into some common traps. In this episode, we’re sharing the top 5 mistakes new pediatric therapists make (yes, we made them too!) and how to avoid burnout while still giving your clients the best support possible. We cover:  Why staying on top of continuing education is essential The danger of passive treatment sessions How to i...

Holiday shopping doesn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming 🎁 In this episode, we’re sharing our favorite sensory-friendly gift ideas for kids and adults, plus creative experience gifts that go beyond toys. We cover:  Our top 10 sensory-friendly gift ideas for kids. Unique and practical gift ideas for adults. Why experience-based gifts can be so meaningful. Links to products and tools we use an...

Teachers and therapists often see students struggling with focus, posture, handwriting, or behavior but the root cause might not be what you think. Retained primitive reflexes can have a huge impact in the classroom. 📚 In this episode, you’ll learn: What primitive reflexes are and why they matter How retained reflexes show up in school settings Simple classroom strategies to support students Why...

Is your child refusing sensory play you know would help them? You’re not alone — and it doesn’t always mean they’re being “defiant.” 💡 In this episode, you’ll learn: Why kids say “no” to sensory activities How rapport & co-regulation make a difference When hunger, sleep, or illness affect behavior Simple ways to modify activities so kids succeed Thanks for listening 🩷 We’re so glad you’re he...

Feeding challenges in infancy can feel overwhelming especially when solids are hard, weight gain is a concern, or oral motor skills seem delayed. In this episode, we respond to a real-life question from a parent about their 10-month-old struggling with solids and tongue movement. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why core and trunk strength impact oral motor development The importance of ruling out t...

The transition from fall into the holiday season can feel overwhelming for both parents and sensory kids. Between weather changes, shorter days, holiday stress, and immune system struggles, it’s no wonder regulation gets harder this time of year. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why meltdowns and anxiety increase in fall and winter How weather, daylight, and school routines affect regulation The imp...

Primitive Reflex Digital Course https://harkla.co/products/primitive-reflexes-course NEW Motor Skills Digital Course is LIVE! https://harkla.co/products/motor-skills-course In this episode, we break down the difference between low core strength and a retained Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR) , a primitive reflex that plays a huge role in posture, coordination, and motor development. Whether you’re...

In this episode, we explore what co-regulation really is, why it’s a critical foundation for emotional development , and how occupational therapists, parents, and educators can use it to support kids and adults alike. You’ll learn why co-regulation is more than just a buzzword , and how to intentionally use it in your daily life and practice. What co-regulation is and why it’s essential for develo...

“I’ve been doing the Moro and FPR exercises for three months but haven’t seen any positive results. Why?” This is a common question we hear from parents, therapists, and caregivers working on primitive reflex integration —especially with the Moro Reflex and Fear Paralysis Reflex (FPR) . In this episode, we break down what these two powerful reflexes are, how they impact emotional regulation and se...

In this episode, we explore how to track progress beyond reflex testing by looking at functional, everyday signs of improvement . Reflex tests are important, but they don’t always tell the whole story. Sometimes a child may have several retained reflexes, but those reflexes don’t significantly interfere with their day-to-day life! If you’ve ever wondered whether your reflex integration work is tru...

NEW Motor Skills Digital Course is LIVE! https://harkla.co/products/motor-skills-course Play is a child’s main occupation — it’s how they learn, grow, and develop critical skills like sequencing, executive functioning, and social interaction. But what happens when a child doesn’t engage with the types of play activities we expect them to enjoy? In this episode, we dive into a real-life scenario wi...

NEW Motor Skills Digital Course is LIVE! https://harkla.co/products/motor-skills-course In this episode of the All Things Sensory Podcast , we’re sharing our favorite regulation activities and tools to support your child / clients before and after school — plus tips for YOU as an adult. We’ll walk you through simple, practical strategies that start the night before , like creating a calming bedtim...

Sarah Selznick, MS, OTR/L is an occupational therapist, author, and the founder of Sensory Explorers, a private practice supporting children, caregivers, and adults through sensory wellness, pelvic health, and developmental care. She’s the creator of the online Super Poopers course, helping families navigate pediatric bowel and bladder challenges with humor and heart. Sarah is also the author and...

Have you ever wondered why some children constantly chew on clothing, pencils, or even their hair? In this episode of All Things Sensory , we’re diving into oral sensory seeking —what it is, why it happens, and how to support children who experience it. Children who are sensory seekers often crave oral input to regulate their nervous system. Chewing, sucking, and biting provide proprioceptive inpu...

In this episode, we dive deep into the connection between childhood anxiety and the retained Moro Reflex — and how both can impact children in the classroom. From understanding what anxiety looks like in a school setting, to uncovering the role of primitive reflexes, we’ll explore how to support children who struggle with heightened worry, reactivity, and sensory sensitivity. A retained Moro refle...

This week, we’re diving into one of our favorite topics - Motor Labs ! These movement-based, circuit-style spaces are game-changers for students of all ages, especially those with ADHD, autism, sensory processing challenges, or retained primitive reflexes. We’ll break down: What a Motor Lab is and who benefits most The science-backed benefits like improved attention, self-regulation, and foundatio...

Do you have a student who’s always moving, touching everything, or humming non-stop? They might be a sensory seeker —a child with a high sensory threshold who craves extra input to feel regulated. In this episode of All Things Sensory , we break down what sensory seeking really means, why it can look different for every child, and how to proactively support these students in the classroom. We’ll s...

Crawling is a foundational developmental milestone that does more than just strengthen muscles — it plays a critical role in developing the visual system, especially ocular motor skills such as tracking, convergence, and coordinated eye movements. We’re diving into why crawling is essential and how to help children of ALL ages crawl!  LINKS We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill o...

Is your child/client constantly skipping words while reading, losing their place on the page, or avoiding reading altogether? These might not be “reading problems”—they could be visual problems. In this episode, we break down how ocular motor skills —specifically saccades, pursuits, and convergence—are essential for reading success. You’ll learn how these visual skills impact everything from decod...

In this episode, we break down what ocular motor skills really are, how they affect your child’s behavior and development, and most importantly simple at-home activities you can start using right away to help. They also share how retained primitive reflexes, screen time, and missed developmental milestones can all impact how your child’s eyes work together — and why this often goes unnoticed. Whet...

In episode of All Things Sensory, we sit down with the incredible Dr. Tessa Grigg - PhD, Dip Tch (Primary) Dip Tch (ECE). She has a wide range of experience within the Early Childhood Education field. She has taught in a Primary School, supervised a preschool with specialist work in the sensory-motor area, worked as a Child and Family Therapist, taught adult students in teaching and child developm...

Headaches that won’t go away? Trouble reading or switching between screens? Feeling drained after a day at your desk? These might not be random quirks—they could be signs of ocular motor deficits. In this episode, we’re diving into how visual-ocular challenges—convergence, saccades, and pursuits—can impact adults in everyday life. You’ll hear a personal story, a powerful example of how unresolved...

In this episode, we sit down with pediatric audiologist Debbie Baerlocher to unpack the real truth about Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)—what it is, what it’s not, and why it’s often misunderstood. Learn how APD is diagnosed, when to seek help, and why many children show similar symptoms without actually having APD. Debbie has her Doctorate in Audiology and has been working at Elks Hearing and...