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 it’s not, and why it’s often misunderstood. Learn how APD is diagnosed, when to seek help, and why many children show similar symptoms without actually having APD. Debbie has her Doctorate in Audiology and has been working at Elks Hearing and Balance, aka St. Luke's Hearing and Balance, in Boise, Idaho since she moved to the Treasure Valley ...
Jul 02, 2025•50 min•Ep. 367
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 Instagram. Passionate about uncovering the root causes of oral health issues, Dr. Clayton focuses on holistic cavity prevention, airway health, and innovative, biologically sound approaches to restoring teeth. As the host of the Dentistry Disrupted podcast, he is on a mission to shift the dental industry toward a more patient-centered, root-cau...
Jun 25, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 366
Shop our Summer Sensory SALE! https://harkla.co/pages/summer-sensory-sale-2025 Free Primitive Reflex Webinar https://harkla.co/pages/register-for-the-primitive-reflex-webinar-2025 Free Sensory Diet Webinar https://harkla.co/pages/sensory-diet-webinar-registration-2024 We’re diving deep into the why behind retained primitive reflexes. These early movement patterns are essential in infancy—but when they don’t integrate properly, they can lead to challenges with regulation, development, and everyda...
Jun 18, 2025•24 min•Ep. 365
Shop our Summer Sensory SALE! https://harkla.co/pages/summer-sensory-sale-2025 Free Primitive Reflex Webinar https://harkla.co/pages/register-for-the-primitive-reflex-webinar-2025 Summer can bring a lot of fun — and a lot of sensory dysregulation. In this episode, we’re sharing 10 activity ideas to help your child stay regulated during the warmer months. From water play and outdoor obstacle courses to sensory-friendly picnics and consistent routines, these ideas are designed to support sensory p...
Jun 11, 2025•20 min•Ep. 364
Summer is here—and with the heat, play, and sunshine comes a unique challenge for kids (and adults!) who struggle with interoception. In this episode, we explore what interoception is and why it’s so important to pay attention during the summer months. We discuss how challenges like dehydration, overheating, and sun sensitivity can affect children with sensory needs and how parents and caregivers can better support them through practical strategies, products, and daily routines. We also share ac...
Jun 04, 2025•29 min•Ep. 363
Register for our FREE live webinar on June 4, 2025 https://harkla.co/pages/summer-sensory-diet-webinar-registration-2025 In this episode of the All Things Sensory Podcast , we explore how a baby’s sensory and nervous systems begin developing long before birth — and how expectant parents can actively support this critical growth during pregnancy. From taste and touch to vestibular and proprioceptive systems, you'll learn when each sensory system starts forming in the womb and what factors influen...
May 28, 2025•31 min•Ep. 362
In this episode, we sit down with Angela Fritz, a board-certified pediatric physical therapist with a passion for infant development. Angela brings her expertise working in the NICU and shares valuable insights on supporting babies from the very beginning—especially those who’ve spent time in the NICU. We dive into: The role of physical therapy in the NICU Tummy time and developmental milestone tips for infants (including NICU grads) The importance of positioning for development Primitive reflex...
May 21, 2025•57 min•Ep. 361
In this episode, we sit down with Lori Benson Adams, M.Ed., Educational Intervention Specialist and founder of Breakthrough Learning Solutions, to explore the heart of DIRFloortime. We dive into the power of connection, the role of play-based therapy, and how honoring all forms of communication can transform the way we support children. Whether you're a parent or professional, this conversation will leave you inspired to lead with curiosity, connection, and compassion. Lori Benson Adams, M.Ed Ed...
May 14, 2025•45 min•Ep. 360
Welcome Amy Whelan, a pediatric speech-language pathologist, Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) specialist, and passionate AAC advocate. Amy brings her deep expertise and compassionate approach to early childhood communication, guiding us through the world of gestalt language processing, child-led therapy, and neurodiversity-affirming practices. Amy Whelan, Ph.D., CCC-SLP has worked with young children at-risk for speech and language delays and their families her entire career. Movement and play...
May 07, 2025•57 min•Ep. 359
In this episode, we’re diving into our all-time favorite sensory tools to support autistic children. Whether you're a parent, therapist, or educator, these go-to items can help create a more regulated and sensory-friendly environment! We’ll share why tools like noise-canceling headphones , a sensory corner , weighted items , Ark Therapeutic chewy toys , tunnels , crash pads , sour spray , and more—including fun products like the Bilibo chair and The Jungle Crawl book —can make such a big impact ...
Apr 30, 2025•26 min•Ep. 358
Shop our Autism Acceptance Month Sale! https://harkla.co/pages/aam-sale What really makes a great occupational therapy practitioner? In today’s episode, we’re diving into the key qualities that set exceptional OTs apart—beyond just clinical skills. We’ll chat about: The importance of lifelong learning and continuing education Why collaboration with other professionals is a game-changer How building rapport with a wide variety of clients and families is a must The value of teaching and sharing yo...
Apr 23, 2025•18 min•Ep. 357
Shop our Autism Acceptance Month Sale! https://harkla.co/pages/aam-sale What are Primitive Reflexes? https://harkla.co/blogs/special-needs/what-are-primitive-reflexes?_pos=1&_sid=91f65780c&_ss=r We’re diving deep into the connection between retained primitive reflexes and autism. You'll learn what these reflexes are, why they might stick around longer in autistic children, and how they can impact sensory processing, motor skills, and emotional regulation. We break down five key reflexes ...
Apr 16, 2025•23 min•Ep. 356
Shop our OT Month SALE! Ends April 14th, 2025! https://harkla.co/pages/ot-month-sale Sign up for our FREE live webinar on April 16th, 2025! https://harkla.co/pages/classroom-sensory-strategies-webinar-registration-2025 We’re setting the record straight on some of the most common myths about occupational therapy! From the idea that OTs just help people find jobs to the belief that OT is only for kids with disabilities—we’re debunking it all. Whether you’re new to OT or a seasoned pro, this episod...
Apr 09, 2025•21 min•Ep. 355
Shop our OT Month SALE! Ends April 14th, 2025! https://harkla.co/pages/ot-month-sale Happy OT Month and Autism Acceptance Month! In this episode of All Things Sensory , we’re diving into the incredible role Occupational Therapy (OT) plays in supporting autistic children. Whether you’re an OT, parent, educator, or just curious about how OT can make a difference, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Every child is unique, and OT interventions reflect that! We’ll discuss how therapists ta...
Apr 02, 2025•27 min•Ep. 354
Home exercise programs (HEPs) are a game-changer for sensory regulation, emotional development, and reflex integration—but only if they’re done consistently! In this episode, we’re sharing our favorite HEP activities that are easy to implement and make a big impact. From sensory diet routines like jumping, crawling, and bubble mountain to oral motor tools and co-regulation strategies, we’re giving you practical ideas to support your child’s development at home. Plus, we answer a listener’s quest...
Mar 26, 2025•21 min•Ep. 353
Register for our FREE Live Webinar on March 24, 2025 - https://harkla.co/pages/register-for-the-primitive-reflex-webinar-2025 Primitive 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...
Mar 19, 2025•25 min•Ep. 352
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...
Mar 12, 2025•18 min•Ep. 351
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 ...
Mar 05, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 350
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 situa...
Feb 26, 2025•21 min•Ep. 349
Learn how to create personalized sensory diet routines that actually work! https://harkla.co/products/sensory-diet-course In 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 pro...
Feb 19, 2025•20 min•Ep. 348
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 on one meal a day can improve family engagement around the table. Fun and motivating ways to get a picky eater excited ...
Feb 12, 2025•28 min•Ep. 347
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 en...
Feb 05, 2025•24 min•Ep. 346
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 FIN...
Jan 29, 2025•17 min•Ep. 345
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 hel...
Jan 22, 2025•21 min•Ep. 344
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 phys...
Jan 15, 2025•21 min•Ep. 343
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://ha...
Jan 08, 2025•20 min•Ep. 342
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/ItWxQNP...
Jan 01, 2025•15 min•Ep. 341
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 you...
Dec 25, 2024•22 min•Ep. 340
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 sh...
Dec 18, 2024•20 min•Ep. 339
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 chan...
Dec 11, 2024•22 min•Ep. 338
