All Things Sensory by Harkla

“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 coo...

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...

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 und...

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...

Starting out in pediatrics can feel overwhelming and it’s easy to fall into some common traps. In this episode, we’re sharing the top 5 mistakes new pediatric therapists make (yes, we made them too!) and how to avoid burnout while still giving your clients the best support possible.

We cover: 

• Why staying on top of continuing education is essential

• The danger of passive treatment sessions

• How to involve families for better carryove...

Holiday shopping doesn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming 🎁 In this episode, we’re sharing our favorite sensory-friendly gift ideas for kids and adults, plus creative experience gifts that go beyond toys.

We cover: 

• Our top 10 sensory-friendly gift ideas for kids.

• Unique and practical gift ideas for adults.

• Why experience-based gifts can be so meaningful.

• Links to products and tools we use and recommend.

Thanks for listenin...

Teachers and therapists often see students struggling with focus, posture, handwriting, or behavior but the root cause might not be what you think. Retained primitive reflexes can have a huge impact in the classroom. 📚

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What primitive reflexes are and why they matter

• How retained reflexes show up in school settings

• Simple classroom strategies to support students

• Why movement breaks and alternative seat...

Is your child refusing sensory play you know would help them? You’re not alone — and it doesn’t always mean they’re being “defiant.” 💡

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why kids say “no” to sensory activities

• How rapport & co-regulation make a difference

• When hunger, sleep, or illness affect behavior

• Simple ways to modify activities so kids succeed

Thanks for listening 🩷 We’re so glad you’re here and can’t wait to hang out wi...

Feeding challenges in infancy can feel overwhelming especially when solids are hard, weight gain is a concern, or oral motor skills seem delayed. In this episode, we respond to a real-life question from a parent about their 10-month-old struggling with solids and tongue movement.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why core and trunk strength impact oral motor development

• The importance of ruling out tongue ties, torticollis, or delaye...

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 clot...

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, therap...

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 b...

“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 reason...

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 yo...

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 chi...

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...

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 tha...

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 ...

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 anxi...