The transition from fall into the holiday season can feel overwhelming for both parents and sensory kids. Between weather changes, shorter days, holiday stress, and immune system struggles, it’s no wonder regulation gets harder this time of year.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why meltdowns and anxiety increase in fall and winter

• How weather, daylight, and school routines affect regulation

• The impact of rigid thinking with clothing changes

• Simple strategies to reduce stress and support sensory kids

• Immune-boosting ideas and cozy after-school routines that actually help
  

Thanks for listening 🩷 Share this episode with a parent or teacher who could use some fall regulation tips!

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 

Sensory Diet Digital Course

https://harkla.co/products/sensory-diet-course

Primitive Reflex Digital Course https://harkla.co/products/primitive-reflexes-course

NEW Motor Skills Digital Course is LIVE! https://harkla.co/products/motor-skills-course

In this episode, we break down the difference between low core strength and a retained Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR), a primitive reflex that plays a huge role in posture, coordination, and motor development. Whether you’re a parent, therapist, or educator, this episode will give you the tools to better understand and support the children in your life.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

• Why primitive reflexes matter for movement, attention, and emotional regulation

• The Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR): what it is, how it develops, and what happens if it doesn’t integrate

• Signs of low core strength vs. signs of a retained TLR during the Superman position

• How muscle tone challenges connect to reflexes

• Practical strategies to assess and address both core weakness and retained reflexes

• Tips for parents and professionals to create fun, consistent, and effective 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 

Muscle Tone vs. Muscle Strength

https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/108-muscle-tone-vs-muscle-strength 

Research Article - The Relationship Between Primitive Reflexes and Motor Proficiency 

https://brieflands.com/articles/jmcl-158078.pdf 

SPD Sale 
https://harkla.co/pages/spd-awareness-month-2025

In this episode, we explore what co-regulation really is, why it’s a critical foundation for emotional development, and how occupational therapists, parents, and educators can use it to support kids and adults alike. You’ll learn why co-regulation is more than just a buzzword, and how to intentionally use it in your daily life and practice.

• What co-regulation is and why it’s essential for developing self-regulation.

• The science behind co-regulation: nervous system syncing, polyvagal theory, and mirror neurons.

• Why co-regulation is vital for therapeutic success in occupational therapy sessions.

• 5 practical strategies to co-regulate with kids and clients effectively.

• Recommended tools and products to make co-regulation fun and engaging.

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 

Sleep Crash Course Webinar Sign Up

https://harkla.co/pages/sleep-course-webinar-registration-2025 

Create a Calm Down Corner

https://youtu.be/S-1EtUHJOGo?si=Chvc-PT2bX6zGdMJ

GloPals Sensory Bin

https://glopals.com/

webe kälm

https://a.co/d/fg5Nt4D

Hoberman Sphere (Breathing Ball)

https://a.co/d/2WreKVr

Vibration pillow

https://a.co/d/c4uHY6l

Projector Lamps (Galaxy or Starry Sky)

https://www.amazon.com/starry-sky-night-light-projector/s?k=starry+sky+night+light+projector

Panda Drum

https://pandadrum.com/

Vibration Massage Ball

https://www.homedics.com/atlas-vibration-acu-node-massager

Grounding Mat

https://www.groundingwell.com/

LifePro Vibration Plate

https://lifeprofitness.com/collections/vibration-therapy

“I’ve been doing the Moro and FPR exercises for three months but haven’t seen any positive results. Why?”

This is a common question we hear from parents, therapists, and caregivers working on primitive reflex integration—especially with the Moro Reflex and Fear Paralysis Reflex (FPR).

In this episode, we break down what these two powerful reflexes are, how they impact emotional regulation and sensory processing, and the hidden reasons why you might not be seeing progress even after consistent reflex work. If you’ve been feeling frustrated or stuck in your reflex journey, this episode will give you clarity and next steps.

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

SPD Month Giveaway

https://harkla.co/pages/spd-awareness-2025-giveaway-sign-up

In this episode, we explore how to track progress beyond reflex testing by looking at functional, everyday signs of improvement. Reflex tests are important, but they don’t always tell the whole story. Sometimes a child may have several retained reflexes, but those reflexes don’t significantly interfere with their day-to-day life!

If you’ve ever wondered whether your reflex integration work is truly helping, this episode will help you connect the dots between reflexes, functional outcomes, and real-life independence.

This episode will help you shift your focus from testing and exercises alone to looking at real-life skills—because progress isn’t just about what happens in therapy, it’s about creating lasting change in daily life.

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

Primitive Reflex Digital Course https://harkla.co/products/primitive-reflexes-course

AOTA Smart Practices: https://www.aota.org/practice/practice-essentials/evidencebased-practiceknowledge-translation/practice-smart

Research: https://moveplaythrive.com/conditions/bedwetting-bladder-and-bowel/can-primitive-reflex-integration-relieve-bedwetting-bowel-issues#:~:text=In%20addition%20to%20bladder%20and,gait%20(Goddard%2C%202023)

Primitive Reflex Screening Checklist Freebie https://harkla.co/pages/freebies

Stopping ADHD - book (Amazon)

https://a.co/d/aFWQ531

NEW Motor Skills Digital Course is LIVE! https://harkla.co/products/motor-skills-course

Play is a child’s main occupation — it’s how they learn, grow, and develop critical skills like sequencing, executive functioning, and social interaction. But what happens when a child doesn’t engage with the types of play activities we expect them to enjoy?

In this episode, we dive into a real-life scenario with a non-speaking autistic child whose family is struggling to connect through play.

We’ll explore:

• Why some children reject certain play activities

• How to identify the types of play a child enjoys most

• Ways to weave preferred play into daily routines

• Building rapport and connection first, while gently challenging skills

• Practical, sensory-rich play ideas you can try at home

Our goal? To help families, therapists, and caregivers reframe their perspective of play and focus on connection over perfection.

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

NEW Motor Skills Digital Course is LIVE! https://harkla.co/products/motor-skills-course

In this episode of the All Things Sensory Podcast, we’re sharing our favorite regulation activities and tools to support your child / clients before and after school — plus tips for YOU as an adult.

We’ll walk you through simple, practical strategies that start the night before, like creating a calming bedtime routine, prepping for the next morning, and setting everyone up for success.

We also answer a listener question about supporting a 6-year-old who’s struggling to read and follow instructions at school — including practical steps parents can take to help.

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

Sarah Selznick, MS, OTR/L is an occupational therapist, author, and the founder of Sensory Explorers, a private practice supporting children, caregivers, and adults through sensory wellness, pelvic health, and developmental care. She’s the creator of the online Super Poopers course, helping families navigate pediatric bowel and bladder challenges with humor and heart. Sarah is also the author and illustrator of children’s books that support early learning and independence — including I Am Learning: How to Poop in the Toilet and I am Learning how to Listen to my Body. You can find her on Instagram @sensoryexplorers for tips, tools, and a peek into her playful approach to therapy. Sign up for her newsletter to stay in the loop: www.sensoryexplorers.com

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

Interview with Quiara Smith, OTR/L

https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/315-pediatric-pelvic-health-occupational-therapy-with-quiara-smith-otr-l?_pos=1&_sid=a8fdc59f2&_ss=r

An Interview with Dr. Steve Hodges

https://kidsbowelbladder.com/an-interview-with-dr-steve-hodges/

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/