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

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/

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/