All Things Sensory by Harkla

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 Educational Intervention Specialist, is the owner of Breakthrough Learning Solutions, a private practice providing direct support to families and children, as well as professional development opportunities to private and school based professionals nationwide. LINKS Visit Lori's website https://loribensonadams.com/ [https://loribensonadams.com/] Lori on Sensational Brain https://sensationalbrain.com/ceu/on-demand-webinars/?_speaker=lori-benson-adams-med [https://sensationalbrain.com/ceu/on-demand-webinars/?_speaker=lori-benson-adams-med] DIRFloortime https://www.icdl.com/dir [https://www.icdl.com/dir] Dyslexia with Lori Benson Adams https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/179-what-is-dyslexia?_pos=2&_sid=89fa10f07&_ss=r [https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/179-what-is-dyslexia?_pos=2&_sid=89fa10f07&_ss=r] 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 Website https://harkla.co/ [https://harkla.co/] Harkla YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily/playlists [https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily/playlists] Harkla Instagram https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ [https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/]

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 are her favorite ways to encourage regulation, connection, engagement, and communication. She believes in the power of YET to give hope to what is to come and foster positive, empowered, resilient children. Always learning, Amy has specialized training in family-centered therapy, early intervention and preschool-based therapy, Natural Language Acquisition and gestalt language processors, as well as neurodiversity affirming goal writing and therapy practices. LINKS Follow Amy on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/twojillsandajack/ 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 Website  [https://harkla.co/] https://harkla.co/ Harkla YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily/playlists] https://www.youtube.com/@HarklaFamily/videos Harkla Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/] https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/

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 in your sensory toolbox. Plus we’ll answer two questions! 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/] https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/ Harkla YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily/playlists] https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily/playlists Harkla Website [https://harkla.co/] - Shop Sensory Products! https://harkla.co/ Harkla Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/] https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ The Listening Program [https://advancedbrain.com/]   https://advancedbrain.com/ Build a Sensory Corner [https://youtu.be/S-1EtUHJOGo?si=6Lhw682STyGzoYhb] https://youtu.be/S-1EtUHJOGo?si=6Lhw682STyGzoYhb Shop Harkla Weighted Products [https://harkla.co/collections/focus]  https://harkla.co/collections/focus ARK Therapeutics - Oral Chew Tools [https://www.arktherapeutic.com/oral-motor-chewing-tools/]  https://www.arktherapeutic.com/oral-motor-chewing-tools/ Buzz Buddy [https://specialsupplies.com/products/special-supplies-buzz-buddy-oral-stimulation-toys-with-6-soft-textured-interchangeable-heads-calm-sensory-needs-support-speech-and-stimulate-self-feeding-gentle-vibrations?srsltid=AfmBOorPLcRF7y8KLdPFtqCmnGH5_Nhe8UccZwG8ugFu5Fvi3PlbtvbD] https://specialsupplies.com/products/special-supplies-buzz-buddy-oral-stimulation-toys-with-6-soft-textured-interchangeable-heads-calm-sensory-needs-support-speech-and-stimulate-self-feeding-gentle-vibrations?srsltid=AfmBOorPLcRF7y8KLdPFtqCmnGH5_Nhe8UccZwG8ugFu5Fvi3PlbtvbD The Jungle Crawl [https://sensationalbrain.com/product/pre-order-the-jungle-crawl-interactive-childrens-book/] https://sensationalbrain.com/product/pre-order-the-jungle-crawl-interactive-childrens-book/ Bilibo Chair  [https://www.moluk.com/bilibo.php] https://www.moluk.com/bilibo.php Bubble Tube  [https://www.playlearn.com/sensory-room-equipment/sensory-lights/bubble-tube?srsltid=AfmBOorohmDQt9aPWdjKAssvn-ZWgrh0o803UJUuzoHzJ70v4hXhbGPk] https://www.playlearn.com/sensory-room-equipment/sensory-lights/bubble-tube?srsltid=AfmBOorohmDQt9aPWdjKAssvn-ZWgrh0o803UJUuzoHzJ70v4hXhbGPk Whisper Phone [https://whisperphone.com/collections/all-products] https://whisperphone.com/collections/all-products

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/]