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 with you again next week! 🌈

LINKS

Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sale

https://harkla.co/pages/black-friday-cyber-monday

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

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 delayed milestones

• Play-based strategies to support oral motor skills outside the high chair

• Helpful tools like the Z-Vibe, bite blocks, and vibrating teethers

• When to seek out additional support from an SLP, IBCLC, or pediatric specialist

Thanks for listening 🩷 Share this episode with a parent or therapist who is supporting an infant with feeding challenges!

LINKS

Early Bird Black Friday Sale Opt-In

https://harkla.co/pages/earlybird-subscribe-page

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

Z Vibe

https://www.arktherapeutic.com/arks-z-vibe-vibrating-oral-motor-tool/

Myo Munchee

https://myomunchee.com/bebe

Bite Blocks

https://www.arktherapeutic.com/ark-bite-blocks-for-jaw-grading-stability/

Vibrating Teether

​​https://www.amazon.com/Infantino-Vibrating-Teether-Style-Vary/dp/B0047WGOLQ/ref=sr_1_6

NUK Brush

https://www.amazon.com/NUK-Massage-Brush-Germany-White/dp/B0CTJ5JKL5

Early Intervention Blueprint Digital Course

https://harkla.co/products/infant-sensory-development-course

Reddit Thread Question

https://www.reddit.com/r/slp/comments/1m8zlsl/baby_struggling_with_solids/

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