Shows / All Things Sensory by Harkla
All Things Sensory by Harkla
Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, CPRCS is a passionate pediatric therapy practitioner who answers your questions related to all things sensory, occupational therapy, parenting, self-care, nutrition, and health, from a therapist’s perspective. Providing raw, honest, fun ideas, and strategies, for parents and families to implement into daily life. Great for those who work with children with sensory processing disorder, special needs, autism, and ADHD. This podcast is brought to you by Harkla, where our…
Episodes
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#424 - What Pediatric Therapists Are Getting Right (and Wrong) About Sensory Processing with Lindsey Biel, M.A., OTR/L
Raising a Sensory Smart Child was one of the first books I read as a new practitioner, so getting to sit down with Lindsey Biel was a little bit of a fangirl…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#423 - Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: What Therapists Need to Know with Abbey Phillipson
In this episode, I sit down with Abbey Phillipson, a strength and conditioning coach and disability advocate who lives with classical Ehlers-Danlos syndrome…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#422 - OTs Have Sensory Needs, Too: How to Support Yours
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…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#421 - Sensory Processing Disorder Explained
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…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#420 - Quick Update for our ATS Family!
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…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#419 - Research Papers Every OT Should Read in 2026
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…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#418 - The School OT Guide to IEPs, 504s & Classroom Support
Starting your first school-based OT job can feel overwhelming. Between IEP meetings, evaluations, accommodations, and the endless acronyms, it can be hard to…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#417 - Fear Paralysis Reflex: Signs Every Pediatric Therapist Should Know
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…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#416 - Is Your Therapy Space Helping... or Hurting?
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…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#415 - The Real Cost of Screens in Classrooms
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…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#414 - How to Write Primitive Reflex Goals That Actually Get Approved
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…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#413 - It's Not Just You: OT Burnout Is More Common Than You Think
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…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#412 - Why We're Screening More COVID-Era Kids for Primitive Reflexes
If your child was born between 2018 and 2022, should they have their primitive reflexes screened? In this episode, we explore how the COVID-19 pandemic may…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#411 - What Lactation Consultants Want Parents to Know: An Interview with Wild Milk Co.
Feeding a baby can feel overwhelming, especially when things don't go as planned. In this episode, I sit down with Kristin and Maureen from Wild Milk Co., two…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#410 - Understanding Pediatric Pelvic Floor Health and Potty Training Struggles
If potty training, constipation, accidents, or stool withholding feel way harder than they should, you are not alone. In this episode, we’re talking about…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#409 - Using Vibration Plates With Kids: Benefits, Risks & Safety
Vibration plates are everywhere right now, but how do you actually use them safely and effectively with kids? In this episode, I’m diving into one of my…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#408 - Proprioception: What It Is and Why It Matters
If your child is constantly crashing into things, squeezing you a little too tight, or always on the move, there’s a good chance they're seeking out…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#407 - Why I Took My Daughter to a Developmental Eye Doctor (Part 1)
In this episode, I’m sharing a very real, very personal story about my daughter and what led me to take her to a developmental optometrist. As both a COTA and…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#406 - Why Your Child Needs MORE Movement Before Bed (Sleep Tips for Sensory Seekers)
If your child seems to get a burst of energy right before bed, asks for one more hug, one more drink, or one more lap around the house, it can feel confusing…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#405 - ADHD in Women: My Diagnosis Journey as a Mom & Pediatric Therapist
In today’s episode, I’m sharing something a little more personal. This conversation is all about ADHD in women and moms, why it’s so often missed, and what it…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#404 - Should Schools Take Away Recess? Why It Can Backfire
Recess is often the first thing to go when kids are struggling at school. But what if taking it away is actually making things worse? In this episode, we break…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#403 - Reacting to Parenting Advice I Hear All the Time (Through a Sensory Lens)
There are a few phrases I hear over and over again from parents, usually right after they’ve tried everything and nothing worked. If you’ve ever been told…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#402 - What Is Sensory Integration? Understanding How the Brain Processes the World
Have you ever wondered why your child seems “fine” all day at school… and then completely falls apart at home? In this episode, we’re breaking down what’s…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#401 - What Therapists Wish More Pediatricians Talked About
In this episode, I share some honest reflections on pediatrician visits - what’s working, what could be improved, and what families truly need more of in those…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#400 - Should Kindergartners Be Potty Trained Before School? What a New Kansas Bill Could Mean for Families
There has been growing conversation around proposed legislation that would require children to be toilet trained before enrolling in kindergarten. In this…
All Things Sensory by Harkla#399 - Meet Amanda! Our New Co-Host & Occupational Therapist at Harkla
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…
All Things Sensory by Harkla#398 - 2026 Update: What's Next for the Podcast
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 by Harkla
#397 - The Best Nutrients to Support Sensory Processing in Kids
Can supplements actually support kids with sensory processing challenges? In this episode, we take a research-based look at supplements commonly recommended…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#396 - Top Three Primitive Reflex Exercises for Emotional Regulation in the Classroom
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…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#395 - Helping Neurodivergent Kids Make Friends – OT Social Skills Tips
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…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#394 - Is Thumb Sucking Sensory? What to Know (and What to Do)
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…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#393 - Is Crawling Really That Important? Yes - Here’s Why!
“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…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#392 - Unlocking the Nervous System: Vision, Balance, and Breathing with Taylor Kruse
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…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#391 - How to Use Vestibular Input Without Overloading the Sensory System
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…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#390 - Using Visual Supports for Sensory Regulation
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…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#389 - Top 5 Mistakes New Pediatric Therapists Make and How to Avoid Them!
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…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#388 - Top 10 Sensory Gift Ideas for Kids & Adults (Holiday 2025 Guide)
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…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#387 - Retained Primitive Reflexes: The Overlooked Cause of Struggles in the Classroom
Teachers and therapists often see students struggling with focus, posture, handwriting, or behavior but the root cause might not be what you think. Retained…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#386 - Don’t Force It: How to Support Kids Who Say “No” to Sensory Play
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…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#385 - 10-Month-Old Struggling With Solids? Here’s What Might Be Going On
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…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#384 - OT Tips to Handle Sensory Challenges This Fall
The transition from fall into the holiday season can feel overwhelming for both parents and sensory kids. Between weather changes, shorter days, holiday…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#383 - Low Muscle Tone or Retained Reflex? How to Decode the Signs
Primitive Reflex Digital Course https://harkla.co/products/primitive-reflexes-course NEW Motor Skills Digital Course is LIVE!…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#382 - 5 Ways to Practice Co-Regulation (Without Saying a Word)
In this episode, we explore what co-regulation really is, why it’s a critical foundation for emotional development, and how occupational therapists, parents…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#381 - The Truth About the Moro & Fear Paralysis Reflexes: Why Progress Feels Stuck
“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…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#380 - 7 Everyday Signs Your Child’s Primitive Reflexes Aren’t Integrated
In this episode, we explore how to track progress beyond reflex testing by looking at functional, everyday signs of improvement. Reflex tests are important…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#379 - There’s No Right Way to Play: Supporting Autistic & Sensory-Seeking Kids
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…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#378 - Before and After School Routines That Reduce Meltdowns
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…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#377 - The Hidden Link Between Sensory Needs, Regulation & Pooping with Sarah Selznick, MS, OTR/L
Sarah Selznick, MS, OTR/L is an occupational therapist, author, and the founder of Sensory Explorers, a private practice supporting children, caregivers, and…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#376 - Oral Sensory Seeking in Kids: What You Need to Know & How to Help
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…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#375 - Anxiety in the Classroom: The Hidden Link to the Moro Reflex
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…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#374 - How to Create a Motor Lab for Your Classroom That Boosts Focus & Learning
This week, we’re diving into one of our favorite topics - Motor Labs! These movement-based, circuit-style spaces are game-changers for students of all ages…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#373 - Sensory Seekers in the Classroom: How to Help Kids Who Can’t Sit Still
Do you have a student who’s always moving, touching everything, or humming non-stop? They might be a sensory seeker—a child with a high sensory threshold who…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#372 - Crawling & Ocular Motor Skills: What’s the Connection?
Crawling is a foundational developmental milestone that does more than just strengthen muscles — it plays a critical role in developing the visual system…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#371 - Are Your Child’s ADHD Symptoms Really a Vision Problem? | Ocular Motor Skills & Daily Life
Is your child/client constantly skipping words while reading, losing their place on the page, or avoiding reading altogether? These might not be “reading…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#370 - Improve Your Child’s Ocular Motor Skills With These Fun At-Home Visual Activities
In this episode, we break down what ocular motor skills really are, how they affect your child’s behavior and development, and most importantly simple at-home…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#369 - Unlocking Classroom Success with Reflex Integration with Dr. Tessa Grigg
In episode of All Things Sensory, we sit down with the incredible Dr. Tessa Grigg - PhD, Dip Tch (Primary) Dip Tch (ECE). She has a wide range of experience…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#368 - Ocular Motor Skills: The Secret to Better Focus & Fewer Headaches
Headaches that won’t go away? Trouble reading or switching between screens? Feeling drained after a day at your desk? These might not be random quirks—they…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#367 - Auditory Processing vs. Attention Issues: How to Tell the Difference with Debbie Baerlocher
In this episode, we sit down with pediatric audiologist Debbie Baerlocher to unpack the real truth about Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)—what it is, what…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#366 - What Your Dentist Won’t Tell You: A Functional Approach to Oral Health with Dr. Craig Clayton
Dr. Craig D. Clayton is a functional and biomimetic dentist based in Meridian, Idaho, and an influential online educator with a following of over 380K on…
- All Things Sensory by Harkla
#365 - What Pregnancy & Birth Can Tell Us About Retained Reflexes
Shop our Summer Sensory SALE! https://harkla.co/pages/summer-sensory-sale-2025 Free Primitive Reflex Webinar…