All Things Sensory by Harkla

Latest Episodes:

#380 - 7 Everyday Signs Your Child’s Primitive Reflexes Aren’t Integrated Oct 01, 2025

Show notes

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 truly helping, this episode will help you connect the dots between reflexes, functional outcomes, and real-life independence.

This episode will help you shift your focus from testing and exercises alone to looking at real-life skills—because progress isn’t just about what happens in therapy, it’s about creating lasting change in daily life.

LINKS

We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3

All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/

Harkla Website

https://harkla.co/

Harkla YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily

Harkla Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/

Harkla Digital Courses

https://harkla.co/collections/courses

Primitive Reflex Digital Course https://harkla.co/products/primitive-reflexes-course

AOTA Smart Practices: https://www.aota.org/practice/practice-essentials/evidencebased-practiceknowledge-translation/practice-smart

Research: https://moveplaythrive.com/conditions/bedwetting-bladder-and-bowel/can-primitive-reflex-integration-relieve-bedwetting-bowel-issues#:~:text=In%20addition%20to%20bladder%20and,gait%20(Goddard%2C%202023)

Primitive Reflex Screening Checklist Freebie https://harkla.co/pages/freebies

Stopping ADHD - book (Amazon)

https://a.co/d/aFWQ531

#379 - There’s No Right Way to Play: Supporting Autistic & Sensory-Seeking Kids Sep 24, 2025

Show notes

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 with a non-speaking autistic child whose family is struggling to connect through play.

We’ll explore:

Why some children reject certain play activities
How to identify the types of play a child enjoys most
Ways to weave preferred play into daily routines
Building rapport and connection first, while gently challenging skills
Practical, sensory-rich play ideas you can try at home

Our goal? To help families, therapists, and caregivers reframe their perspective of play and focus on connection over perfection.

LINKS

We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3

All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/

Harkla Website

https://harkla.co/

Harkla YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily

Harkla Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/

Harkla Digital Courses

https://harkla.co/collections/courses

#378 - Before and After School Routines That Reduce Meltdowns Sep 17, 2025

Show notes

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 bedtime routine, prepping for the next morning, and setting everyone up for success.

We also answer a listener question about supporting a 6-year-old who’s struggling to read and follow instructions at school — including practical steps parents can take to help.

LINKS

We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3

All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/

Harkla Website

https://harkla.co/

Harkla YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily

Harkla Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/

Harkla Digital Courses

https://harkla.co/collections/courses

#377 - The Hidden Link Between Sensory Needs, Regulation & Pooping with Sarah Selznick, MS, OTR/L Sep 10, 2025

Show notes

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 illustrator of children’s books that support early learning and independence — including I Am Learning: How to Poop in the Toilet and I am Learning how to Listen to my Body. You can find her on Instagram @sensoryexplorers for tips, tools, and a peek into her playful approach to therapy. Sign up for her newsletter to stay in the loop: www.sensoryexplorers.com

LINKS

We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3

All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/

Harkla Website

https://harkla.co/

Harkla YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily

Harkla Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/

Harkla Digital Courses

https://harkla.co/collections/courses

Interview with Quiara Smith, OTR/L

https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/315-pediatric-pelvic-health-occupational-therapy-with-quiara-smith-otr-l?_pos=1&_sid=a8fdc59f2&_ss=r

An Interview with Dr. Steve Hodges

https://kidsbowelbladder.com/an-interview-with-dr-steve-hodges/

#376 - Oral Sensory Seeking in Kids: What You Need to Know & How to Help Sep 03, 2025

Show notes

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 input that can be calming, especially for children experiencing stress, anxiety, or fight-or-flight responses.

Oral sensory seeking is more than just a “bad habit”—it’s communication. With the right tools, strategies, and understanding, you can help your child meet their sensory needs safely and successfully.

LINKS

We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3

⁠Tips for Oral Seekers⁠

https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/159-tips-for-oral-seekers?_pos=1&_sid=cf200d27b&_ss=r

⁠PICA or Oral Seeking?⁠

https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/263-pica-or-oral-seeking-sensory-strategies-for-both?_pos=3&_sid=cf200d27b&_ss=r

⁠ARK Therapeutic ⁠

https://www.arktherapeutic.com/

⁠Buzz Buddy (Amazon)⁠

https://a.co/d/8GnT2AV

All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/

Harkla Website

https://harkla.co/

Harkla YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily

Harkla Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/

Harkla Digital Courses

https://harkla.co/collections/courses

#375 - Anxiety in the Classroom: The Hidden Link to the Moro Reflex Aug 27, 2025

Show notes

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 reflex can mimic or worsen classroom anxiety. Kids may:

Overreact to sounds, lights, or unexpected touch
Struggle with transitions or changes in routine
Live in a constant state of fight-or-flight, making it harder to focus or socialize
Startle easily, avoid certain activities, or have ongoing challenges with attention

These signs may point to an underlying reflex that hasn’t fully integrated. Tune in to learn how understanding this mind-body connection can transform the way we support children in school and at home.

LINKS

We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3

FREE Primitive Reflex Checklist

https://harkla.co/pages/freebies?_pos=1&_sid=be7c6473f&_ss=r⁠

Movements That Heal (Amazon)⁠

https://a.co/d/hyQrYLA

⁠Harkla Digital Courses⁠

https://harkla.co/collections/courses

All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/

Harkla Website

https://harkla.co/

Harkla YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily

Harkla Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/

#374 - How to Create a Motor Lab for Your Classroom That Boosts Focus & Learning Aug 20, 2025

Show notes

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 foundational sensory-motor skills
Calm down zones that promote emotional regulation
How to set up your Motor Lab in any school space — from hallways to empty classrooms
Customizing for student needs including sensory seekers vs. sensory avoiders
Simple ways to track progress and collaborate with staff
Common challenges and practical solutions to overcome them
Ideas for keeping movement going outside the lab with brain breaks, transitions, and in-class sensory tools

We’ll also share our favorite resources, from budget-friendly equipment to apps that support motor planning.

LINKS

We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3

Digital Course Library

https://harkla.co/collections/courses

Motor Labs - Sensational Brain CEU Course

https://sensationalbrain.com/product/motor-labs-sensory-paths/

All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/

Harkla Website

https://harkla.co/

Harkla YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily

Harkla Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/

#373 - Sensory Seekers in the Classroom: How to Help Kids Who Can’t Sit Still Aug 13, 2025

Show notes

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 share real-life examples, practical strategies you can start using tomorrow, and the one thing you should never take away from a sensory seeker.

Plus—we’ve got a free Sensory Preferences Checklist to help you understand each child’s unique needs!

FREE Sensory Preference Checklist

https://harkla.co/pages/freebies

Improving Focus and Behavior in the Classroom Digital Course

https://harkla.co/products/classroom-sensory-training

A Balanced Brain: A Multi-Sensory Program for Learning and Focus

https://harkla.co/products/balanced-brain

Classroom Sensory Kits

https://harkla.co/products/classroom-sensory-kit?_pos=1&_sid=79e63bbfb&_ss=r

Mixed Sensory Needs

https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/316-supporting-mixed-sensory-needs-children-adults?_pos=1&_sid=65c45e7a7&_ss=r

Supporting Sensory Seekers

https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/348-supporting-sensory-seekers-practical-tips-for-every-day?_pos=7&_sid=88bd86b3a&_ss=r

Before School Strategies

https://harkla.co/blogs/special-needs/before-school-strategies?_pos=4&_sid=5d068f958&_ss=r

After School Strategies

https://harkla.co/blogs/special-needs/after-school-strategies?_pos=2&_sid=5d068f958&_ss=r

School Sensory Breaks

https://youtu.be/TzxL6YEBl6c?si=Yt50AQWu1htefhxS

Back to School Tips

https://youtu.be/o3LdX9NuxYw?si=K3cYJtOJlVdUwAXg

Crawling for Brain Development

https://sensationalbrain.com/product/crawling-brain-development-curriculum/

All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/

Harkla Website

https://harkla.co/

Harkla YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily

Harkla Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/

#372 - Crawling & Ocular Motor Skills: What’s the Connection? Aug 06, 2025

Show notes

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 out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3

Early Intervention Blueprint

https://harkla.co/products/infant-sensory-development-course

Crawling for Brain Development

https://sensationalbrain.com/product/crawling-brain-development-curriculum/

All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/

Harkla Website

https://harkla.co/

Harkla YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily

Harkla Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/

#371 - Are Your Child’s ADHD Symptoms Really a Vision Problem? | Ocular Motor Skills & Daily Life Jul 30, 2025

Show notes

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 decoding to attention span, and why children with ADHD, sensory processing disorder, or retained primitive reflexes are at higher risk for visual-motor challenges.

LINKS

Relationship Between Ocular Motility and Motor Skills
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11698614/
Primitive Reflex Integration and Reading in the Classroom

https://jneuroscience.com/2023/02/26/primitive-reflex-integration-and-reading-achievement-in-the-classroom/

Statistics of Infants’ Natural Visual Experience

https://jov.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2792416

We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3

All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/

Harkla Website

https://harkla.co/

Harkla YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily