What if movement was built into the school day instead of saved for recess? In this episode, we’re talking about how retained primitive reflexes can impact emotional regulation in the classroom and sharing three simple, powerful activities teachers can use with the entire class.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What primitive reflexes are and why they matter for learning and behavior

• How retained reflexes can show up as anxiety, dysregulation, or inattention

• The connection between the Moro, STNR, and ATNR and emotional regulation

• Three easy, classroom-friendly movements to support regulation and focus

• How short, consistent movement breaks can change the feel of the entire classroom

Thanks for listening 🩷 If you’re a teacher or therapist, try one of these movements with your group and tell us what you notice.

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

Making friends can be hard, and for neurodivergent kids, the path to connection often looks a little different. This episode was inspired by a question from Instagram and dives into practical, compassionate ways to support social connection without forcing kids to fit into a mold that doesn’t work for them.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why friendship can be more challenging for neurodivergent kids

• How sensory processing, executive function, and communication impact social skills

• Why quality of connection matters more than the number of friends

• OT-informed strategies to support social interaction in safe, structured ways

• How to build friendships by leaning into a child’s strengths and interests

Thanks for listening 🩷 If this episode resonated, share it with a parent or therapist supporting a neurodivergent child.

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

Is your child constantly sucking their thumb or fingers and you’re wondering if it’s sensory, habit, or something else? This episode comes straight from a parent question on Instagram, and we’re breaking it all down.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why thumb and finger sucking is considered oral sensory seeking

• When sucking is developmentally appropriate and when to look closer

• Common reasons older kids continue sucking for regulation or anxiety

• How to talk to your child about the habit in a supportive way

• Practical sensory and oral motor replacements that actually help

Thanks for listening 🩷 If this question hit close to home, share this episode with another parent who’s navigating thumb or finger sucking too.

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

Z-Vibe

https://www.arktherapeutic.com/arks-z-vibe-vibrating-oral-motor-tool/

Chew Tubes

https://www.arktherapeutic.com/handheld-chews/

Chewlery

https://www.arktherapeutic.com/chewelry/

5 Ways to Use Proprioception for Calming and Regulation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHdCj8sWtV0

Top 10 Oral Motor Activities Every Parent Should Know

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEXEbyBX858&t=443s

Sensory Snacks Explained

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOswosl5pHg

All Things Sensory Ep. 376 - Oral Sensory Seeking in Kids

https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/376-oral-sensory-seeking-in-kids-what-you-need-to-know-how-to-help

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