All Things Sensory by Harkla

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...

Dr. Craig D. Clayton is a functional and biomimetic dentist based in Meridian, Idaho, and an influential online educator with a following of over 380K on Instagram. Passionate about uncovering the root causes of oral health issues, Dr. Clayton focuses on holistic cavity prevention, airway health, and innovative, biologically sound approaches to restoring teeth. As the host of the Dentistry Disrupt...

Shop our Summer Sensory SALE! https://harkla.co/pages/summer-sensory-sale-2025 Free Primitive Reflex Webinar https://harkla.co/pages/register-for-the-primitive-reflex-webinar-2025 Free Sensory Diet Webinar https://harkla.co/pages/sensory-diet-webinar-registration-2024 We’re diving deep into the why behind retained primitive reflexes. These early movement patterns are essential in infancy—but when...

Shop our Summer Sensory SALE! https://harkla.co/pages/summer-sensory-sale-2025 Free Primitive Reflex Webinar https://harkla.co/pages/register-for-the-primitive-reflex-webinar-2025 Summer can bring a lot of fun — and a lot of sensory dysregulation. In this episode, we’re sharing 10 activity ideas to help your child stay regulated during the warmer months. From water play and outdoor obstacle course...

Summer is here—and with the heat, play, and sunshine comes a unique challenge for kids (and adults!) who struggle with interoception. In this episode, we explore what interoception is and why it’s so important to pay attention during the summer months. We discuss how challenges like dehydration, overheating, and sun sensitivity can affect children with sensory needs and how parents and caregivers...

Register for our FREE live webinar on June 4, 2025 https://harkla.co/pages/summer-sensory-diet-webinar-registration-2025 In this episode of the All Things Sensory Podcast , we explore how a baby’s sensory and nervous systems begin developing long before birth — and how expectant parents can actively support this critical growth during pregnancy. From taste and touch to vestibular and proprioceptiv...

In this episode, we sit down with Angela Fritz, a board-certified pediatric physical therapist with a passion for infant development. Angela brings her expertise working in the NICU and shares valuable insights on supporting babies from the very beginning—especially those who’ve spent time in the NICU. We dive into: The role of physical therapy in the NICU Tummy time and developmental milestone ti...

In this episode, we sit down with Lori Benson Adams, M.Ed., Educational Intervention Specialist and founder of Breakthrough Learning Solutions, to explore the heart of DIRFloortime. We dive into the power of connection, the role of play-based therapy, and how honoring all forms of communication can transform the way we support children. Whether you're a parent or professional, this conversation wi...

Welcome Amy Whelan, a pediatric speech-language pathologist, Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) specialist, and passionate AAC advocate. Amy brings her deep expertise and compassionate approach to early childhood communication, guiding us through the world of gestalt language processing, child-led therapy, and neurodiversity-affirming practices. Amy Whelan, Ph. D., CCC-SLP has worked with young ch...

In this episode, we’re diving into our all-time favorite sensory tools to support autistic children. Whether you're a parent, therapist, or educator, these go-to items can help create a more regulated and sensory-friendly environment! We’ll share why tools like noise-canceling headphones , a sensory corner , weighted items , Ark Therapeutic chewy toys , tunnels , crash pads , sour spray , and...

Shop our Autism Acceptance Month Sale! https://harkla.co/pages/aam-sale What really makes a great occupational therapy practitioner? In today’s episode, we’re diving into the key qualities that set exceptional OTs apart—beyond just clinical skills. We’ll chat about: The importance of lifelong learning and continuing education Why collaboration with other professionals is a game-changer How buildin...

Shop our Autism Acceptance Month Sale! https://harkla.co/pages/aam-sale What are Primitive Reflexes? https://harkla.co/blogs/special-needs/what-are-primitive-reflexes?_pos=1&_sid=91f65780c&_ss=r We’re diving deep into the connection between retained primitive reflexes and autism. You'll learn what these reflexes are, why they might stick around longer in autistic children, and how they...

Shop our OT Month SALE! Ends April 14th, 2025! https://harkla.co/pages/ot-month-sale Sign up for our FREE live webinar on April 16th, 2025! https://harkla.co/pages/classroom-sensory-strategies-webinar-registration-2025 We’re setting the record straight on some of the most common myths about occupational therapy! From the idea that OTs just help people find jobs to the belief that OT is only for ki...

Shop our OT Month SALE! Ends April 14th, 2025! https://harkla.co/pages/ot-month-sale Happy OT Month and Autism Acceptance Month! In this episode of All Things Sensory , we’re diving into the incredible role Occupational Therapy (OT) plays in supporting autistic children. Whether you’re an OT, parent, educator, or just curious about how OT can make a difference, this episode is packed with valuable...

Home exercise programs (HEPs) are a game-changer for sensory regulation, emotional development, and reflex integration—but only if they’re done consistently! In this episode, we’re sharing our favorite HEP activities that are easy to implement and make a big impact. From sensory diet routines like jumping, crawling, and bubble mountain to oral motor tools and co-regulation strategies, we’re giving...

Register for our FREE Live Webinar on March 24, 2025 - https://harkla.co/pages/register-for-the-primitive-reflex-webinar-2025 Primitive reflexes play a crucial role in early development, but when they don’t integrate properly, they can create challenges in the classroom—impacting focus, learning, and behavior. In this episode, we’re breaking down what primitive reflexes are, why they matter, and h...

We are beyond excited to introduce Harkla’s newest sensory tool—the Sensory Dice! These simple yet powerful dice are designed to make sensory and primitive reflex integration fun, engaging, and effective. In this episode, we dive into how sensory integration and primitive reflex integration are deeply connected —when you work on one, you naturally support the other! We’ll break down how each of th...

Maranda Argiros, BCBA and Jenny Barcellona, BCBA provide Behavior Training and Support for Caregivers and Families which consists of Family Focused Treatments and Interventions that equip families with the tools they need to foster behavior change in their natural environment. In addition, they provide Behavior Consulting Services for schools, daycares, and other providers by implementing realisti...

Creating and Implementing Sensory Diet Routines to Improve Daily Activities - https://harkla.co/products/sensory-diet-course   In today’s episode, we dive into the world of sensory avoiders—children (and even adults) who may experience heightened sensitivity to sensory input and react with avoidance or distress. We'll explore key signs that your child might be a sensory avoider and share 5 pra...

Learn how to create personalized sensory diet routines that actually work! https://harkla.co/products/sensory-diet-course In today's episode we dive into strategies to support sensory seekers. If your child is constantly seeking movement, touch, or sounds that interfere with their daily activities—or if they never seem to get enough sensory input—this episode is for you! We’re sharing five pra...