All Things Sensory by Harkla

I spend so much time thinking about what my clients and my own kiddos need. More movement? Less noise? A sensory break? But sometimes the person who needs those supports is me. And knowing all the regulation strategies doesn’t mean I always remember to use them myself.

In this episode, I’m turning the attention back to our own nervous systems. I talk about recognizing sensory overload, finding strategies that work for you, and building them into your day before you’re completely overwhelmed. For my fellow OT practitioners, that includes taking a closer look at our therapeutic use of self. How we connect, respond, and support co-regulation matters just as much as the tools we bring into a session. 

This is exactly why I wrote Grounded: A Nervous System Regulation Guide for Overstimulated Parents. I’m sharing the experiences behind the book and how it brings together sensory strategies, movement, and practical daily routines. Whether you’re supporting clients, raising kids, or doing both, the goal isn’t to be calm every second. It’s to understand your own needs and have tools to come back to when things feel like too much. 

Thanks for listening 🩷 Share this with a fellow practitioner who spends their day supporting everyone else and could use a reminder that their nervous system matters, too.

Links

SPD MONTH GIVEAWAY‼️

Win Over $3,000 in Sensory Support! 💙 Click below to enter!

https://harkla.co/pages/spd-month-giveaway 

Pre-order Grounded and explore the preorder bonuses

http://sensationalbrain.com/landing/grounded/ 

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 

In honor of Sensory Processing Disorder Awareness Month, I’m going back to the basics and diving into one of my all-time favorite topics: sensory processing.

In this episode, we’re talking about sensory modulation, over- and under-responsiveness, sensory craving, and all eight sensory systems. We’ll also look at how sensory differences can show up during everyday occupations like dressing, eating, toileting, learning, play, and transitions.

But I don’t want to stop at understanding sensory processing, I want to talk about how we can actually support it in practice. We’ll get into proactive sensory input, movement, heavy work, sensory spaces, and helping our clients build awareness of what their own bodies need.

One of my biggest reminders for therapists: instead of immediately asking, “How do I stop this behavior?” Let's get curious and ask, “What is their nervous system trying to tell me?”

Whether you’re newer to pediatric OT or just need a good sensory processing refresher, this episode will help you get back to the basics and think about sensory needs through a practical OT lens. This is also a great episode to share with families if they need help understanding sensory processing more!

Thanks for being here 🩷 If this episode sparked a clinical lightbulb moment, come find me at @allthingssensorypodcast and tell me what you’re noticing in your practice. 

Links

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

Episode #368 - Ocular Motor Skills

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6yGQpQ6r0NbOsOGIK2N0DE

Episode #372 - Crawling & Ocular Motor Skills

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2zf5VSTe0fxfmP6cFzTrG5 

Episode #225 - ADHD Tips, Tricks & Info

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0qv4CsQGAXHaPaANCKNZWj

Episode #34 - What is Auditory Processing Disorder?

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1M48a9mEy0IVU4bB6iJvGR 

Episode #367 - Auditory Processing vs Attention Issues

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4KKYDlcOaHLonM8oagThpu

Sensory Preferences Checklist

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1380/9417/files/Copy_of_Mod_3_5_Child_Sensory_Preferences.pdf?v=1729447315

Hi podcast fam! I just wanted to have a quick pow-wow and chat about what this season is going to look like. As many of you may know already, my son is starting kindergarten this fall and I'll be doing a homeschool program with him. Exciting but also very time consuming!

We also have a team member getting married this fall and we are excited to travel and celebrate with her family!

And of course, we have been working on a really exciting product launch: My Weighted Vest! It's finally coming to life and it's been a really time consuming product to bring (back) to life!

That being said, it's a crazy time for our whole team, which is why we're pressing the pause button on recording new episodes, so we can all find our footing over the next few months.

As always, I appreciate your support and dedication! I'll be back soon as your podcast host and give you all the homeschooling tea you could ever imagine!

Make sure you're subscribed here so you get notified when our next episode launches!

And we'll share all the pictures, videos and updates on Instagram in the meantime: @allthingssensorypodcast

Love you all and I'll be back soon!

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 

If you're an occupational therapist who loves evidence-based practice, this episode is for you. In this episode, I'm sharing some of my favorite research articles that I think every pediatric OT should have bookmarked. These are the studies I come back to again and again, whether I'm teaching, creating content, working with clients, or answering questions from other therapists.

I’ll cover research on sensory processing, primitive reflexes, ADHD, interoception, proprioception, nature play, classroom lighting, whole body vibration, pregnancy, and so much more. I also share why these studies have stood out to me and how they've shaped the way I think about child development and occupational therapy.

Whether you're a new grad or a seasoned clinician, I hope this episode gives you a few new resources to explore and inspires you to keep asking questions and digging into the research.

Thanks for being here 🩷 If you have a favorite research article that's changed your practice, send it my way! I’m always looking to learn something new!

Links

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

Link to All Research Articles Mentioned

Interview with Dr. Tessa Grigg

https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/369-unlocking-classroom-success-with-reflex-integration-with-dr-tessa-grigg

How to Use a Vibration Plate

https://www.youtube.com/watch

Episode #409 - Using Vibration Plates with Kids

https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/409-using-vibration-plates-with-kids-benefits-risks-safety

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 

Starting your first school-based OT job can feel overwhelming. Between IEP meetings, evaluations, accommodations, and the endless acronyms, it can be hard to know where to start.

In this episode, we break down the basics of school-based occupational therapy. Amanda shares what she wishes every new school-based OT knew before walking into their first IEP meeting, explains the differences between IEPs, 504 plans, and MTSS, and offers practical tips for collaborating with teachers, administrators, and the rest of the educational team.

We'll also discuss how school-based OT differs from clinic-based practice, why goals need to be educationally relevant, what consultative services actually look like, and how to feel more confident advocating for students while working as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Whether you're a new graduate, transitioning into the schools, or just curious about how school-based OT works, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you feel more prepared.

Links

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

Sensory Strategies for the Classroom Course

https://harkla.co/products/classroom-sensory-training?srsltid=AfmBOoqG8NnYkiSWB_T-oxJNV3RI0lYd5-kUy9draacDoX5fsnDIxqvt

Classroom Sensory Kits

https://harkla.co/products/classroom-sensory-kit?srsltid=AfmBOopRCtKs2HeI1HXt-Iw30p0DTLiFkRgc2SyW7PUyCSGW8Zd5e__H

Slant Board for Writing 

https://amzn.to/44GU0mI

Loop Scissors

https://amzn.to/4pv9x2q

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 

Have you ever worked with a child who seems extremely cautious, shuts down when something feels hard, or gives up before they even get started? There may be more going on than meets the eye.

In this episode, we take a closer look at the Fear Paralysis Reflex (FPR), one of the lesser-known primitive reflexes that can have a significant impact on a child's development. We explain what the reflex is, why it serves an important purpose before birth, and what it can look like if it's retained beyond infancy.

Together, we explore how a retained Fear Paralysis Reflex may contribute to challenges like anxiety, perfectionism, selective mutism, low self-esteem, emotional regulation, and an intense fear of making mistakes. We also share why it's so important to look beyond behavior, connect with the child in front of you, and remember that your therapeutic relationship is often more powerful than any activity you have planned.

Whether you're a therapist, educator, or parent, this episode will help you better understand the nervous system and offer a more compassionate lens for supporting children who seem fearful, hesitant, or overwhelmed.

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

Here's a hot take: sometimes the most dysregulating part of occupational therapy is the clinic itself.

In this episode, we take a closer look at how the therapy environment can impact a child's nervous system and why the space around us is just as important as the intervention itself. From fluorescent lighting and visual clutter to noisy waiting rooms, strong fragrances, and harsh cleaning products, we discuss simple ways to create a calmer, more regulation-friendly environment for both kids and therapists.

We also share practical ideas for reducing sensory overload, organizing therapy spaces with intention, making thoughtful product swaps, and creating an environment that helps children feel safe, regulated, and ready to learn.

Whether you're an OT, PT, SLP, educator, or clinic owner, this episode will leave you thinking differently about the spaces where we support children every day.

Thanks for listening 🩷 We'd love to hear from you! What's one small change you've made, or want to make, to create a calmer therapy environment?

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

Force of Nature Cleaning Products

https://www.forceofnatureclean.com/

I know this might be a controversial opinion, but I don't think screens belong in preschool classrooms.

In this solo episode, I share what I've observed as a school-based occupational therapist and why I believe we've become too reliant on technology in early education. This isn't about being anti-screen or anti-teacher. It's about asking whether screens are replacing the hands-on, movement-rich experiences that young children actually need to develop.

I talk about SMART Boards, educational apps, handwriting, fine motor development, free play, and why movement, creativity, and real-world learning can't be replaced by a screen. I also share practical ideas for parents, therapists, and educators who want to reduce screen time without eliminating technology altogether.

At the end of the day, technology isn't the enemy, but development has to come first.

Thanks for listening 🩷 I'd love to hear your perspective. Do you think screens belong in preschool classrooms? Let me know on Instagram or in the comments!

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

If you're writing goals for primitive reflex integration, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we break down one of the biggest mistakes therapists make when writing goals for primitive reflex integration and explain how to connect reflex work to meaningful, functional outcomes that matter to families, IEP teams, and insurance providers.

We discuss why reflex integration itself should never be the goal, how retained reflexes can impact skills like handwriting, attention, coordination, regulation, and participation, and how to write goals that focus on the real-life challenges a child is experiencing. We also share practical examples of how to connect primitive reflex interventions to functional outcomes that support independence and participation.

Whether you're an OT, COTA, PT, or therapist interested in reflex integration, this episode will help you think differently about goal writing, advocacy, and demonstrating the value of the services you provide.

Thanks for listening 🩷 If you work in pediatrics, we'd love to hear from you. What's one goal-writing tip that's helped you better advocate for the kids you support?

Links

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

Primitive Reflex Digital Course

https://harkla.co/products/primitive-reflexes-course 

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

If you asked 100 occupational therapists whether they've experienced burnout, how many do you think would say yes?

In this episode, we have an honest conversation about burnout in the OT profession. We share our own experiences working in clinics, schools, and early intervention, and talk about the realities that many therapists face every day: overwhelming caseloads, endless documentation, productivity demands, long commutes, emotional exhaustion, and the pressure to constantly do more. 

We also discuss something that doesn't get talked about enough: how caring deeply about the children and families we serve can make it difficult to leave work at work. From challenging cases to social media comparison, there are so many factors contributing to burnout that go beyond simply being "too busy." 

Most importantly, we share practical strategies that have helped us protect our nervous systems, advocate for ourselves, set better boundaries, and create more sustainable careers. 

Thanks for listening 🩷 Whether you're a new grad, a seasoned therapist, or somewhere in between, we hope this conversation helps you feel a little less alone. And reminder: GO ON THE TRIP. We’d love to hear your thoughts: have you experienced burnout and what have you used to combat it? 

Links

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

Primitive Reflex Digital Course

https://harkla.co/products/primitive-reflexes-course 

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