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

“I didn’t crawl and I’m fine.” We hear this all the time - from parents, grandparents, and even professionals. And while it can be true, there’s a lot more nuance to the conversation.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why crawling plays such a critical role in development

• How crawling supports strength, coordination, vision, and primitive reflex integration

• Why skipping crawling may not seem like a problem early on, but can impact coordination, learning, and regulation later

• Simple ways to encourage crawling in babies, kids, and even adults

• How to respond (kindly and confidently) when someone says, “I didn’t crawl and I’m fine”

Thanks for listening 🩷 If this episode made you think differently about crawling, share it with someone who says they’re “fine” without it.

LINKS

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

Why Crawling Is Essential for Babies, Kids & Adults? Infant Development & OT Strategies

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKcDD9FtVIY

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/

Harkla Digital Courses

https://harkla.co/collections/courses

This week, we’re joined by Taylor Kruse, movement coach, educator, and founder of Kruse Elite, who specializes in applied neurology and the nervous system. Taylor works with adults to help them move, feel, and function better but his insights are just as relevant for kids and therapists, too.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What “applied neurology” means and how it connects to movement and pain

• Why visual and vestibular systems are key to body awareness and regulation

• How the brainstem, eyes, and tongue all work together for posture and balance

• The impact of mouth breathing and poor CO₂ tolerance on the nervous system

• Practical drills for vision, vestibular activation, and improved breathing

Thanks for listening 🩷 Try one of Taylor’s breathing or visual drills and let us know how it goes!

LINKS

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

Taylor’s Website

https://www.kruseelite.com/

Follow Taylor on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/kruseelite

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

Visual supports can be a game-changer for kids at home, in the classroom, and in therapy. From calendars and visual timers to emotion charts and AAC devices, these tools provide structure, reduce anxiety, and build independence.

In this episode, we cover:

• The different types of visual supports and schedules you can use

• How visuals help with transitions, routines, and emotional regulation

• Creative ways to use timers, checklists, and visual cues in daily life

• Why consistency and modeling matter when introducing visuals

• Our favorite programs and tools for teaching kids about emotions and self-regulation

Thanks for listening 🩷 Share this with another parent or therapist who could use more tools for smoother transitions and calmer routines!

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

Zones of Regulation

https://zonesofregulation.com/

Superflex Curriculum

https://www.socialthinking.com/products

BrainWorks Program

https://sensationalbrain.com/brainworks/

Gifts of Joy Visuals

https://shopgiftsofjoy.com/

Solo Boto Toys – Emotional Baggage
https://solobotoys.com/

Starting out in pediatrics can feel overwhelming and it’s easy to fall into some common traps. In this episode, we’re sharing the top 5 mistakes new pediatric therapists make (yes, we made them too!) and how to avoid burnout while still giving your clients the best support possible.

We cover:

• Why staying on top of continuing education is essential

• The danger of passive treatment sessions

• How to involve families for better carryover

• Why a bottom-up approach matters in pediatrics

• The importance of setting boundaries and self-care

Thanks for listening 🩷 If you’re a new grad or new to pediatrics, let us know which tip resonated most with you!

LINKS

Harkla Holiday Sale!

https://harkla.co/pages/holiday-sale

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