Today’s episode is a special one because we’re introducing someone new to the podcast. If you’ve been listening for a while, you know our mission has always been to support families, therapists, and educators with practical, real-life strategies rooted in occupational therapy.

As the Harkla team continues to grow, we’re excited to welcome Amanda, our new co-host and in-house occupational therapist to the podcast. In this episode, you’ll hear more about her journey into occupational therapy, the different settings she’s worked in, and the perspective she brings from both early intervention and school-based practice. Amanda shares about working directly in classrooms with children and families, the challenges she sees most often in schools today, and her knowledge of potty training and pediatric pelvic floor health. 

We’re so excited for this next chapter of the podcast and can’t wait for you to get to know Amanda in upcoming episodes.

Thanks for listening 🩷 We’d love to hear from you! What questions would you like Amanda to answer in a future episode?

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

Amanda’s Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/yourpediatricot/ 

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 

Today’s episode is a little different. We’re sharing an important update about the podcast, our team, and what’s coming next as we move into a new season of All Things Sensory. 

We talk about Jessica’s decision to step away from her role as co-host and return to the clinic full time, why this transition feels meaningful for her, and what this change means for the future of the podcast. While this marks the end of an era, the mission of the podcast remains the same.

Rachel also shares a personal reflection on working alongside Jessica over the years, how the podcast has grown since it launched in 2018, and why this transition is both bittersweet and exciting. Plus, we tease what’s coming next, including solo episodes, and a new OT co-host you may already know!

Thanks for listening 🩷 We’d love to hear your favorite Jessica moments, what topics you want covered next, or your guesses about our new co-host.

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

History of the Podcast - Joining Harkla 

​​https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/bonus-announcement 

Jessica’s Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/jessicaaaa_atlarge/ 

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 

Can supplements actually support kids with sensory processing challenges? In this episode, we take a research-based look at supplements commonly recommended for sensory processing disorder and neurodivergent individuals. We talk honestly about what science does (and doesn’t) say.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What sensory processing disorder is and how it impacts daily life

• Why supplements are becoming more common in the sensory world

• Which nutrients show the most promise in current research

• Why quality, testing, and sourcing of supplements really matter

• How to safely explore supplements without overwhelming your child

Thanks for listening 🩷 If this episode got you thinking, share it with a parent or therapist navigating sensory supports.

LINKS

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

Article Referenced in Episode:

https://sfihealth.com/news/can-supplements-help-children-with-sensory-processing-difficulties

SPD Info: 

10 Facts About Sensory Processing Disorder

https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/277-10-facts-about-sensory-processing-disorder

What is Sensory Processing Disorder?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fE476Zlyio 

Navigating SPD Digital Course

https://harkla.co/products/navigating-sensory-processing-disorder 

Research:

Mineral-Vitamin Treatment Linked to Sustained Remission of ADHD Symptoms

https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/cap.2019.0036

Potential Role of L-Carnitine in Autism Spectrum Disorder

https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/10/6/1202

Phosphatidylserine's effect on memory and ADHD symptoms

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23495677/

Association of feeding/mealtime behavior issues with internalizing/externalizing problems in children with autism

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30761818/

Sensory processing patterns in children with ASD and ADHD

https://mecp.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s43045-024-00441-6

Get More Content:

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 

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 

Swinging, spinning, and jumping can be incredible tools for regulation but they can also lead to overstimulation if we’re not careful. In this episode, we’re breaking down how to safely use vestibular input (aka movement) to support sensory regulation without causing meltdowns or motion sickness.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What the vestibular system is and why it’s so important

• The difference between seekers, avoiders, and under-responders

• Signs of vestibular overload and what to look for

• How to safely build up tolerance to spinning, swinging, and movement

• Tips for balancing vestibular input with proprioception for regulation

Thanks for listening 🩷 Share this episode with a parent or therapist who wants to better understand movement and regulation!

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 

What is Vestibular Input? (Blog Post) 

https://harkla.co/blogs/special-needs/vestibular-input?_pos=4&_sid=58b88ae0e&_ss=r 

What is the Vestibular System? (Podcast)

https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/21-vestibular-system?_pos=1&_sid=58b88ae0e&_ss=r 

Sensory Dice 

https://harkla.co/collections/focus/products/sensory-activity-foam-dice 

Sensory Sticks 

https://harkla.co/collections/focus/products/sensory-activity-sticks 

Sensory Cards

https://harkla.co/collections/focus/products/sensory-activity-cards 

Research Articles:

Vestibular Input in Children 

https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/11/1/2

Vestibular Activity and Development in Children 

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/integrative-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnint.2013.00092/full

Vestibular Dysfunction in Children 

https://vestibular.org/article/diagnosis-treatment/types-of-vestibular-disorders/pediatric-vestibular-disorders/part-i-vestibular-dysfunction-children/ 

Epidemiology of Vestibular Impairments

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6054584/

Assessment of Vestibular Function in the Pediatric Population 

https://www.audiology.org/practice-guideline/american-academy-of-audiology-clinical-consensus-statement-assessment-of-vestibular-function-in-the-pediatric-population/

Effectiveness of Vestibular and Proprioceptive Exercises in Reducing Hyperactivity in Children with Autism

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S305065652500015X#:~:text=Vestibular%20and%20proprioceptive%20training%20significantly,significant%20changes%20in%20vestibular%20function. 

Association of Sensory Processing and Behavioral Challenges in Children 

https://research.aota.org/ajot/article-abstract/78/Supplement_2/7811500008p1/25267/Association-of-Sensory-Processing-amp-Behavioral?redirectedFrom=fulltext 

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/