All Things Sensory by Harkla

Shop our Autism Acceptance Month Sale! https://harkla.co/pages/aam-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 your knowledge * And why sometimes, doing less can actually mean more in this profession Plus, we wrap up the episode by answering a fantastic listener question: “How do you integrate reflex work in a school setting when there’s no carryover?” We share some practical tips and strategies to help support reflex integration even with limited consistency. Whether you're a seasoned OT or just starting out, this episode will leave you feeling inspired and empowered to grow in your practice. LINKS We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 [https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3]  All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/ Harkla YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@HarklaFamily Harkla Website - Shop Sensory Products! https://harkla.co/ Harkla Instagram

Shop our Autism Acceptance Month Sale! https://harkla.co/pages/aam-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 [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 — the Moro, ATNR, STNR, TLR, and Spinal Galant — with signs of retention and how they affect daily life. Plus, we answer a listener question about PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) and how reflex integration plays a role. Check out all of the links below!  We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 [https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3] All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/] Harkla YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily/playlists [https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily/playlists] Harkla Website - Shop Sensory Products! https://harkla.co/ [https://harkla.co/] Harkla Instagram https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ [https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9301367/ [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9301367/]

Shop our OT Month SALE! Ends April 14th, 2025! https://harkla.co/pages/ot-month-sale [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 [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 episode will leave you with a clearer understanding of what OTs really do and how they support individuals across the lifespan. We also answer a listener question about supporting a 9-year-old adopted daughter navigating ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, and sensory challenges—including eating struggles, emotional regulation, and more. Tune in for practical insights and encouragement, and share this episode with someone who still thinks OT is just arts and crafts! LINKS We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 [https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3]  All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram  [https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/] Harkla YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily/playlists] Harkla Website [https://harkla.co/] - Shop Sensory Products! Harkla Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/] The First 1000 Days of Life [https://sensationalbrain.com/product/first-1000-days-of-life-caregivers/]

Shop our OT Month SALE! Ends April 14th, 2025! https://harkla.co/pages/ot-month-sale [https://harkla.co/pages/ot-month-sale-2024] 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 tailor interventions to each child’s strengths and needs, including: * Sensory integration therapy * Fine and gross motor exercises * Social skills training OT is just one piece of the puzzle! We’ll discuss how it works alongside speech therapy, behavioral therapy, and other interventions to provide a holistic approach. Collaboration is key, and we’ll explore how OTs communicate with parents, educators, and other professionals to create the best support system possible. We also answer a listener question at the end!  LINKS We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 [https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3]  All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram  [https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/] Harkla YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily/playlists] Harkla Website [https://harkla.co/] - Shop Sensory Products! Harkla Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/] What We Really Do in OT [https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/22-what-we-really-do-in-ot-adls-iadls?_pos=5&_sid=c8dd2ad2b&_ss=r] DIRFloortime [https://www.icdl.com/dir] PICA or Oral Seeking? [https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/263-pica-or-oral-seeking-sensory-strategies-for-both?srsltid=AfmBOoqTsarsrU_zBH7ys6SPVKARRAv04X7b93yLy8RgdRnB0oKyaJKY]

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 question about a 12-month-old with delayed gross motor skills and share our top tips to encourage independent movement. LINKS We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 [https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3]  All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram  [https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/] Harkla YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily/playlists] Harkla Website [https://harkla.co/] - Shop Sensory Products! Harkla Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/] Crawling for Brain Development [https://sensationalbrain.com/product/crawling-brain-development-curriculum/] The Jungle Crawl  [https://sensationalbrain.com/product/pre-order-the-jungle-crawl-interactive-childrens-book/] Advanced Brain Technologies  [https://advancedbrain.com/] Sensory Snacks [https://youtu.be/XOswosl5pHg?si=AiCPRMfLVfFzQS0E] The Zones of Regulation [https://zonesofregulation.com/] Sensory Diet Digital Course [https://harkla.co/products/sensory-diet-course] BrainWorks [https://sensationalbrain.com/brainworks/] 6 Tips for Crawling  [https://youtu.be/pKcDD9FtVIY?si=6vTpciCcyQRVdUMK] Early Intervention Blueprint  [https://harkla.co/products/infant-sensory-development-course]