All Things Sensory by Harkla

In honor of Sensory Processing Disorder Awareness Month, I’m going back to the basics and diving into one of my all-time favorite topics: sensory processing.In this episode, we’re talking about sensory modulation, over- and under-responsiveness, sensory craving, and all eight sensory systems. We’ll also look at how sensory differences can show up during everyday occupations like dressing, eating, toileting, learning, play, and transitions.But I don’t want to stop at understanding sensory processing, I want to talk about how we can actually support it in practice. We’ll get into proactive sensory input, movement, heavy work, sensory spaces, and helping our clients build awareness of what their own bodies need.One of my biggest reminders for therapists: instead of immediately asking, “How do I stop this behavior?” Let's get curious and ask, “What is their nervous system trying to tell me?”Whether you’re newer to pediatric OT or just need a good sensory processing refresher, this episode will help you get back to the basics and think about sensory needs through a practical OT lens. This is also a great episode to share with families if they need help understanding sensory processing more!Thanks for being here 🩷 If this episode sparked a clinical lightbulb moment, come find me at @allthingssensorypodcast and tell me what you’re noticing in your practice. LinksWe’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 Episode #368 - Ocular Motor Skillshttps://open.spotify.com/episode/6yGQpQ6r0NbOsOGIK2N0DEEpisode #372 - Crawling & Ocular Motor Skillshttps://open.spotify.com/episode/2zf5VSTe0fxfmP6cFzTrG5 Episode #225 - ADHD Tips, Tricks & Infohttps://open.spotify.com/episode/0qv4CsQGAXHaPaANCKNZWjEpisode #34 - What is Auditory Processing Disorder?https://open.spotify.com/episode/1M48a9mEy0IVU4bB6iJvGR Episode #367 - Auditory Processing vs Attention Issueshttps://open.spotify.com/episode/4KKYDlcOaHLonM8oagThpuSensory Preferences Checklisthttps://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1380/9417/files/Copy_of_Mod_3_5_Child_Sensory_Preferences.pdf?v=1729447315

Hi podcast fam! I just wanted to have a quick pow-wow and chat about what this season is going to look like. As many of you may know already, my son is starting kindergarten this fall and I'll be doing a homeschool program with him. Exciting but also very time consuming!We also have a team member getting married this fall and we are excited to travel and celebrate with her family!And of course, we have been working on a really exciting product launch: My Weighted Vest! It's finally coming to life and it's been a really time consuming product to bring (back) to life!That being said, it's a crazy time for our whole team, which is why we're pressing the pause button on recording new episodes, so we can all find our footing over the next few months.As always, I appreciate your support and dedication! I'll be back soon as your podcast host and give you all the homeschooling tea you could ever imagine!Make sure you're subscribed here so you get notified when our next episode launches!And we'll share all the pictures, videos and updates on Instagram in the meantime: @allthingssensorypodcastLove you all and I'll be back soon!LinksWe’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 Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ Harkla Digital Courseshttps://harkla.co/collections/courses 

If you're an occupational therapist who loves evidence-based practice, this episode is for you. In this episode, I'm sharing some of my favorite research articles that I think every pediatric OT should have bookmarked. These are the studies I come back to again and again, whether I'm teaching, creating content, working with clients, or answering questions from other therapists.I’ll cover research on sensory processing, primitive reflexes, ADHD, interoception, proprioception, nature play, classroom lighting, whole body vibration, pregnancy, and so much more. I also share why these studies have stood out to me and how they've shaped the way I think about child development and occupational therapy.Whether you're a new grad or a seasoned clinician, I hope this episode gives you a few new resources to explore and inspires you to keep asking questions and digging into the research.Thanks for being here 🩷 If you have a favorite research article that's changed your practice, send it my way! I’m always looking to learn something new!LinksWe’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 Link to All Research Articles MentionedInterview with Dr. Tessa Grigghttps://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/369-unlocking-classroom-success-with-reflex-integration-with-dr-tessa-griggHow to Use a Vibration Platehttps://www.youtube.com/watchEpisode #409 - Using Vibration Plates with Kidshttps://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/409-using-vibration-plates-with-kids-benefits-risks-safetyAll Things Sensory Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/ Harkla Website https://harkla.co/ Harkla YouTube​​https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily Harkla Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ Harkla Digital Courseshttps://harkla.co/collections/courses 

Starting your first school-based OT job can feel overwhelming. Between IEP meetings, evaluations, accommodations, and the endless acronyms, it can be hard to know where to start.In this episode, we break down the basics of school-based occupational therapy. Amanda shares what she wishes every new school-based OT knew before walking into their first IEP meeting, explains the differences between IEPs, 504 plans, and MTSS, and offers practical tips for collaborating with teachers, administrators, and the rest of the educational team.We'll also discuss how school-based OT differs from clinic-based practice, why goals need to be educationally relevant, what consultative services actually look like, and how to feel more confident advocating for students while working as part of a multidisciplinary team.Whether you're a new graduate, transitioning into the schools, or just curious about how school-based OT works, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you feel more prepared.LinksWe’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 Sensory Strategies for the Classroom Coursehttps://harkla.co/products/classroom-sensory-training?srsltid=AfmBOoqG8NnYkiSWB_T-oxJNV3RI0lYd5-kUy9draacDoX5fsnDIxqvtClassroom Sensory Kitshttps://harkla.co/products/classroom-sensory-kit?srsltid=AfmBOopRCtKs2HeI1HXt-Iw30p0DTLiFkRgc2SyW7PUyCSGW8Zd5e__HSlant Board for Writing https://amzn.to/44GU0mILoop Scissorshttps://amzn.to/4pv9x2qAll Things Sensory Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/ Harkla Website https://harkla.co/ Harkla YouTube​​https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily Harkla Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ Harkla Digital Courseshttps://harkla.co/collections/courses 

Have you ever worked with a child who seems extremely cautious, shuts down when something feels hard, or gives up before they even get started? There may be more going on than meets the eye.In this episode, we take a closer look at the Fear Paralysis Reflex (FPR), one of the lesser-known primitive reflexes that can have a significant impact on a child's development. We explain what the reflex is, why it serves an important purpose before birth, and what it can look like if it's retained beyond infancy.Together, we explore how a retained Fear Paralysis Reflex may contribute to challenges like anxiety, perfectionism, selective mutism, low self-esteem, emotional regulation, and an intense fear of making mistakes. We also share why it's so important to look beyond behavior, connect with the child in front of you, and remember that your therapeutic relationship is often more powerful than any activity you have planned.Whether you're a therapist, educator, or parent, this episode will help you better understand the nervous system and offer a more compassionate lens for supporting children who seem fearful, hesitant, or overwhelmed.LinksWe’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 Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ Harkla Digital Courseshttps://harkla.co/collections/courses