DiscoverAll Things Sensory by Harkla#376 - Oral Sensory Seeking in Kids: What You Need to Know & How to Help
#376 - Oral Sensory Seeking in Kids: What You Need to Know & How to Help

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

Update: 2025-09-03
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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

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

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

Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, AC & Jessica Hill, COTA/L