All Things Sensory by Harkla

Register for our FREE Live Webinar on March 24, 2025 - https://harkla.co/pages/register-for-the-primitive-reflex-webinar-2025Primitive reflexes play a crucial role in early development, but when they don’t integrate properly, they can create challenges in the classroom—impacting focus, learning, and behavior. In this episode, we’re breaking down what primitive reflexes are, why they matter, and how retained reflexes can affect children academically, socially, and emotionally.We’ll explore:The role of primitive reflexes in infant developmentHow unintegrated reflexes can affect attention, handwriting, posture, and self-regulationSigns and symptoms educators and parents should watch forPractical strategies for teachers and school staff to support children with retained reflexesPlus, we’ll wrap up with a listener Q&A on sensory diets and meal planning for a child with ARFID and oral sensitivities!LINKSSensory Dice and Sensory SticksFree Classroom Webinar and Improving Focus and Behavior in the Classroom (Full Digital Course)  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 Harkla YouTube ChannelHarkla Website - Shop Sensory Products!Harkla InstagramWhat are Primitive Reflexes? The Pyramid of LearningAn Introduction to ARFID

We are beyond excited to introduce Harkla’s newest sensory tool—the Sensory Dice! These simple yet powerful dice are designed to make sensory and primitive reflex integration fun, engaging, and effective. In this episode, we dive into how sensory integration and primitive reflex integration are deeply connected—when you work on one, you naturally support the other! We’ll break down how each of the three Sensory Dice categories (Alerting, Calming, and Focus) can help integrate retained primitive reflexes through movement and sensory-based activities. We’ll also share specific activities from each dice that target common retained primitive reflexes, such as the Moro, STNR, ATNR, TLR, Palmar Grasp, and more! From yoga flows and windmills to wall push-ups and animal walks, these activities are simple yet effective for supporting nervous system development.LINKSHarkla Sensory Activity Dice Primitive Reflex Digital Course 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 Harkla YouTube ChannelHarkla Website - Shop Sensory Products!Harkla InstagramWhat are Primitive Reflexes? 

Maranda Argiros, BCBA and Jenny Barcellona, BCBA provide Behavior Training and Support for Caregivers and Families which consists of Family Focused Treatments and Interventions that equip families with the tools they need to foster behavior change in their natural environment. In addition, they provide Behavior Consulting Services for schools, daycares, and other providers by implementing realistic strategies and techniques to increase skill acquisition while decreasing and managing challenging behaviors. What The Function also provides IEP Advocacy Services and BCBA supervision for students seeking certification. They work to expand the reach and increase public knowledge of how the science of Behavior Analysis is used to help individuals outside of what ABA is typically known for. Marand and Jenny are passionate about the success they have had in using Behavior Analysis across all environments regardless of age, socioeconomic status, and diagnoses.LINKSWe’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram Harkla Website Harkla YouTubeHarkla InstagramWhat The Function Website

Creating and Implementing Sensory Diet Routines to Improve Daily Activities - https://harkla.co/products/sensory-diet-course In today’s episode, we dive into the world of sensory avoiders—children (and even adults) who may experience heightened sensitivity to sensory input and react with avoidance or distress. We'll explore key signs that your child might be a sensory avoider and share 5 practical tips for helping them manage sensory overload, whether at home, in the clinic, or in everyday situations. Some signs that your child may be a sensory avoider: The fight or flight response when entering new or familiar situations Avoiding certain movements  Sensitivity to sounds (like vacuums or blenders) that lead to meltdowns  Extreme picky eating habits Struggling to focus in busy environments, or avoiding them altogetherLINKSWe’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram Harkla YouTube ChannelHarkla Website - Shop Sensory Products!Harkla InstagramAdvanced Brain Technologies Vital Neuro Vital LinksThe Just Right Challenge Create a Sensory/Calm Down Corner  Gifts of Joy The Zones of Regulation 

Learn how to create personalized sensory diet routines that actually work! https://harkla.co/products/sensory-diet-courseIn today's episode we dive into strategies to support sensory seekers. If your child is constantly seeking movement, touch, or sounds that interfere with their daily activities—or if they never seem to get enough sensory input—this episode is for you! We’re sharing five practical tips to help you support sensory seekers at home, in the clinic, or anywhere in between. From providing sensory snacks to integrating full-body heavy work, these strategies can make a world of difference in nervous system regulation and emotional well-being. Plus, we’ll discuss the importance of daily outdoor time and how emotional intelligence programs can help children identify and manage their sensory needs.LINKSWe’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram Harkla YouTube ChannelHarkla Website - Shop Sensory Products!Harkla InstagramWebe Kalm (Amazon)Talk Tools Sensory Snacks ExplainedZones of RegulationSuperflex Curriculum Alert Program Balanced and Barefoot Tips and Tricks for Your Sensory Seeking ChildEpisode 11

In today’s episode, we dive into some real-life feeding strategies that Jessica recently discussed with a fellow OT who’s working with a client struggling with picky eating and meal-time resistance. Feeling stuck in a rut? You're not alone! Sometimes it just takes a good brainstorming session to unlock fresh ideas.We cover practical tips and strategies, including:How focusing onone meal a day can improve family engagement around the table.Fun and motivating ways to get a picky eater excited about meals (yes,fun really does help!).The power of consistency—how building a daily habit can change everything.Giving kids more responsibility in the kitchen and around meal prep, from grocery shopping to cleanup.Moving away from grazing to structured sit-down meals (and why hunger can actually be a good thing in some situations!).Ways to switch up therapy routines to keep feeding sessions fresh and engaging, like using sensory bins, changing environments, or giving kids more control.If you’re working with kids on feeding challenges, or just looking for some fresh perspective, this episode is packed with actionable strategies you can try today. Tune in for an honest, practical conversation on making mealtime a little less stressful and a lot more fun!LINKSWe’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form -https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram Harkla YouTube ChannelHarkla Website - Shop Sensory Products!Harkla InstagramBook: Food Chaining (Amazon) https://a.co/d/aS3LY4LMore resources for picky eating - https://harkla.co/search?q=picky+eating&submit=Search

In this episode, we dive deep into a critical question for therapists and caregivers: should we accommodate or desensitize? Sensory processing challenges can significantly impact a child’s daily life, and understanding when to offer accommodations and when to gently push for desensitization is key to promoting independence and improving quality of life. Through real-life examples, we'll explore how these strategies work together to help children navigate their sensory world, from a variety of environments to everyday activities like dressing and playing. Plus, we’ll share practical tips for therapists and caregivers to develop personalized plans that promote both immediate comfort and long-term resilience. Create personalized sensory diets that work! https://harkla.co/products/sensory-diet-course 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  Harkla YouTube Channel Harkla Website - Shop Sensory Products! Harkla Instagram The Just Right Challenge for Sensory Activities  How to Know if Your OT is Right For You

Many many years ago, we created a 30 day challenge - it was our 30 Day Multi-Sensory Challenge - and it included 30 activities with the metronome. Our goal was to give parents and therapists a variety of multi-sensory activities to help with processing speed, auditory processing, motor coordination, ocular motor development, bilateral coordination, and more! We recently decided that this challenge needed an upgrade, so we created an entirely new program based on the 30 day challenge and it’s FINALLY ready for you!  Introducing - A Balanced Brain: A Multi-Sensory Program for Learning and Focus https://harkla.co/products/balanced-brain We also share 3 of our favorite activities from the program!  LINKS Check out all of our digital courses! https://harkla.co/collections/courses 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  Harkla YouTube Channel Harkla Website - Shop Sensory Products! Harkla Instagram

Check out our new program! https://harkla.co/products/balanced-brain In this episode, we explore the powerful connection between dyslexia and multi-sensory learning strategies. From understanding the neurological challenges dyslexia presents, to discovering how engaging multiple senses can significantly improve reading and writing skills, we dive deep into the science of learning. We also introduce our new program, A Balanced Brain: A Multi-Sensory Program for Learning and Focus, designed to help children, teens, and adults overcome learning difficulties and unlock their full potential. 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  Harkla YouTube Channel Harkla Website - Shop Sensory Products! Harkla Instagram What is Dyslexia? https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/179-what-is-dyslexia?_pos=2&_sid=74dc1a6a2&_ss=r How to Build Literacy Skills https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/297-how-to-build-literacy-skills-and-a-love-for-reading?_pos=3&_sid=74dc1a6a2&_ss=r Lori Benson Adams - Sensational Brain Courses https://sensationalbrain.com/ceu/on-demand-webinars/?_speaker=lori-benson-adams-med Research: Rhythmic processing in children with developmental dyslexia: Auditory and motor rhythms link to reading and spelling Research: Auditory and motor rhythm awareness in adults with dyslexia Research: Rhythm discrimination and metronome tapping in 4-year-old children at risk for developmental dyslexia Research: Improving reading abilities in dyslexia with neurofeedback and multi-sensory learning Research: Effect of Multi-Sensory Intervention Programmes on Fluid Reading Abilities of Dyslexic Children in Primary Schools in Anambra State

LIVE Free Webinar on Jan. 20! Sign up here: https://harkla.co/pages/balanced-brain-webinar-registration In this episode, we dive into the connection between sensory processing and executive function. We begin by defining sensory processing and its vital role in our daily lives. From the basic five senses of touch, taste, sight, sound, and smell, to the more complex senses of vestibular, proprioception, and interoception, we explore how each sense helps us navigate the world and regulate our physical and emotional responses. Next, we define executive function and its core components. We explain how these skills are essential for tasks like planning, organizing, decision-making, and self-regulation. We examine how difficulties with sensory processing—whether it’s over-responsiveness, under-responsiveness, or sensory-seeking behaviors—can disrupt focus, attention, impulse control, and emotional regulation. These challenges can make it harder to plan, organize, and complete tasks, impacting children and adults both at school, work, and in social settings. Finally we share practical tips for supporting individuals with sensory processing difficulties in improving executive function. Learn how creating sensory-friendly environments, offering sensory breaks, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and incorporating calming sensory activities can help regulate emotions and enhance self-control.  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  Harkla YouTube Channel Harkla Website - Shop Sensory Products! Harkla Instagram The Ultimate Guide to Sensory Processing Disorder The Pyramid of Learning Executive Function Skills Sensory Diet Digital Course

Should SLPs use sensory strategies during their sessions? That’s the question we’re discussing in this podcast episode! We dive into making sure we stay within our scope of practice when using different tools, how SLPs and other professionals can use movement and sensory activities with their clients, and some specific activity ideas that we know will help your clients, no matter what area you’re working in!  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  Harkla YouTube Channel Harkla Website - Shop Sensory Products! Harkla Instagram Easy Ways to Incorporate Speech into Play Helping an SLP Implement Sensory Strategies  Speech Therapy and Beyond 

In this episode, we’re not going to talk about how to improve letter formation, placement on the line, or size. Instead, we’re going to focus on how to improve the underlying skills required for handwriting, including postural control, strength, dexterity, visual tracking, and more! We also chat about primitive reflexes and give you some specific ideas to help build hand strength!  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  Harkla YouTube Channel Harkla Website - Shop Sensory Products! Harkla Instagram 10 Hacks for Handwriting What are Preparatory Activities? Assess Ocular Motor Skills Assess 6 Primitive Reflexes  Fine Motor Skills Activity Course

We talk a lot about using visual schedules to help children with routines, sensory diets, transitions, and more. But if you’ve never created and used a visual schedule with a child, how do you get started? We break it down step-by-step, starting with identifying the specific routine or activities you want to add to a visual schedule. We dive into different types of visual schedules and how to choose the right one for your child, how to make it easily accessible, and how to create a system so your child enjoys using their visual schedule!  LINKS Free Visual Schedule Template 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  Harkla YouTube Channel Harkla Website - Shop Sensory Products! Harkla Instagram Sensory Diet Digital Course Creating the Most Effective Visual Supports

Save 20% on our digital courses through December 23rd, 2024! https://harkla.co/pages/digital-courses-holiday-sale We are diving into the variety of benefits that can be gained from using proprioception - heavy work activities, specifically as it relates to anxiety and adults! Proprioception is typically calming to the nervous system and we dive into the reasons why - including how heavy work is grounding, how these activities can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, and more. Then we share our favorite heavy work activities that we use and the ones that we recommend! We talk about going on a walk, doing yoga, gardening, and more!  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  Harkla YouTube Channel Harkla Website - Shop Sensory Products! Harkla Instagram What is Sensory Overload? Sensory Overload in Adults 

Save 20% on our digital courses through December 23rd, 2024! https://harkla.co/pages/digital-courses-holiday-sale We get this question all the time! “Why is my child bouncing off the walls before bed?!” In this episode, we’re going to break down the WHY - why is your child bouncing off the walls before bed? Is it due to sensory seeking tendencies or is there something else going on? Then we dive into tips and strategies that you can use during the day and right before bedtime! We talk about changing the lighting in the house, going outside, how to use proprioceptive input, why a visual schedule might be helpful, and more!  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  Harkla YouTube Channel Harkla Website - Shop Sensory Products! Harkla Instagram What it Means to Meet the Sensory Threshold Tips and Tricks for Your Sensory Seeking Child

Shop our Holiday Sale! https://harkla.co/pages/holiday-sale This episode is all about sensory processing, sensory integration, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). We dive into the 8 sensory systems, why SPD is not a recognized diagnosis, sensory meltdowns, and how SPD can affect daily life. Share this episode with a friend who is new to the ‘sensory world’!  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  Harkla YouTube Channel Harkla Website - Shop Sensory Products! Harkla Instagram Research Article  8 Myths About Sensory Processing Disorder  Does Everybody Have Sensory Quirks? Improving Focus and Behavior in the Classroom - Digital Course  Disciplining a Sensory Kiddo

Shop our BIGGEST sale of the year! https://harkla.co/pages/black-friday-cyber-monday In this episode, we are breaking down what it means for someone to be a “sensory seeker” and what it means for someone to be a “sensory avoider.” Then we talk about our favorite sensory products for both including the Harkla Compression Swing, lycra tunnels, weighted medicine balls, therapy/yoga balls, a crash pad, and more!  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  Harkla YouTube Channel Harkla Website - Shop Sensory Products! Harkla Instagram 5 Activities for a Sensory Seeker 5 Tips for a Sensory Avoider Supporting Mixed Sensory Needs 10 Activities with a Yoga Ball Tunnels (Amazon)  Medicine Balls Rebounder Trampolines (Amazon) Platform Swings (Amazon) Therapy Balls (Amazon) Pop Up Tents (Amazon) Vibrating Pillow Giant Bean Bag SPEKS Adult Fidgets

Shop our BIGGEST sale of the year! Today we are answering a listener question: how to help a 5-year-old who becomes overstimulated and how to help the parent who becomes overstimulated. We discuss strategies to set the child up for success before the overstimulating situations, strategies for the car ride, and how to decompress. We also talk about strategies for the parent, including getting outside, drinking enough water, asking for help, and more!  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  Harkla YouTube Channel Harkla Website - Shop Sensory Products! Harkla Instagram When Your Child’s Sensory Preferences Don’t Match Yours Free Primitive Reflex Webinar What is the Moro Reflex? Book: Building a Non-Anxious Life Book: Too Loud, Too Bright, Too Fast, Too Tight Tips for Getting Outside 8 Activities for Regulation Sensory Strategies for Teens and Adults Peaceful Parenting Tips Free Sensory Diet Webinar On-the-go Sensory Strategies  Free Social Story Template

We are answering a listener question today: a 4-year-old child who is receiving speech and OT services and the family is struggling “to prevent eloping in parking lots and helping him understand the dangers of moving vehicles.” We talk about some different ideas including a sticker/reward chart, different ways to transition to the car, practicing “safe” and “not safe” scenarios, creating a social story, and MORE!  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  Harkla YouTube Channel Harkla Website - Shop Sensory Products! Harkla Instagram Eloping: The Why and How For Kids Who Run Away Weighted Lap Animal  Gestalt Language Processing  Social Story Template  Social Stories

Sign up for the Harkla Early Bird Holiday Sale - https://harkla.co/pages/early-sign-up What is the difference between a passive sensory activity and an active sensory activity? Is one type better than the other? How long does a passive sensory activity “last” in the body, compared to an activity sensory activity? We answer these questions and give you our favorite passive sensory activities and our favorite active sensory activities! 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  Harkla YouTube Channel Harkla Website - Shop Sensory Products! Harkla Instagram Sensory Diet Digital Course The Sensory Chef