All Things Sensory by Harkla podcast

All Things Sensory by Harkla

Amanda Mathers, OTR/L, and Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, CPRCS, are two passionate pediatric therapy practitioners who answer 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 goal is to help those with special needs live happy and healthy lives

Amanda Mathers, OTR/L, and Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, CPRCS, are two passionate pediatric therapy practitioners who answer 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 goal is to help those with special needs live happy and healthy lives

 

#410

#401 - What Therapists Wish More Pediatricians Talked About

In this episode, I share some honest reflections on pediatrician visits - what’s working, ... more

25 Mar 2026

15 MINS

15:45

25 Mar 2026


#409

#400 - Should Kindergartners Be Potty Trained Before School? What a New Kansas Bill Could Mean for F...

There has been growing conversation around proposed legislation that would require childre... more

18 Mar 2026

23 MINS

23:36

18 Mar 2026


#408

#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 ... more

11 Mar 2026

16 MINS

16:45

11 Mar 2026


#407

#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... more

04 Feb 2026

10 MINS

10:52

04 Feb 2026


#406

#397 - The Best Nutrients to Support Sensory Processing in Kids

Can supplements actually support kids with sensory processing challenges? In this episode,... more

28 Jan 2026

21 MINS

21:33

28 Jan 2026


#405

#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 episod... more

21 Jan 2026

14 MINS

14:52

21 Jan 2026


#404

#395 - Helping Neurodivergent Kids Make Friends – OT Social Skills Tips

Making friends can be hard, and for neurodivergent kids, the path to connection often look... more

14 Jan 2026

20 MINS

20:44

14 Jan 2026


#403

#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 senso... more

07 Jan 2026

16 MINS

16:59

07 Jan 2026


#402

#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... more

31 Dec 2025

19 MINS

19:05

31 Dec 2025


#401

#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 El... more

24 Dec 2025

1 HR 01 MINS

1:01:53

24 Dec 2025


#400

#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 l... more

17 Dec 2025

29 MINS

29:06

17 Dec 2025


#399

#390 - Using Visual Supports for Sensory Regulation

Visual supports can be a game-changer for kids at home, in the classroom, and in therapy. ... more

10 Dec 2025

23 MINS

23:22

10 Dec 2025


#398

#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 tr... more

03 Dec 2025

21 MINS

21:44

03 Dec 2025


#397

#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 sh... more

26 Nov 2025

23 MINS

23:10

26 Nov 2025


#396

#387 - Retained Primitive Reflexes: The Overlooked Cause of Struggles in the Classroom

Teachers and therapists often see students struggling with focus, posture, handwriting, or... more

19 Nov 2025

19 MINS

19:43

19 Nov 2025


#395

#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 do... more

12 Nov 2025

20 MINS

20:27

12 Nov 2025


#394

#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, weigh... more

05 Nov 2025

13 MINS

13:32

05 Nov 2025


#393

#384 - OT Tips to Handle Sensory Challenges This Fall

The transition from fall into the holiday season can feel overwhelming for both parents an... more

29 Oct 2025

21 MINS

21:50

29 Oct 2025


#392

#383 - Low Muscle Tone or Retained Reflex? How to Decode the Signs

Primitive Reflex Digital Course [ https://harkla.co/products/primitive-reflexes-course] (h... more

22 Oct 2025

23 MINS

23:16

22 Oct 2025


#391

#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 f... more

15 Oct 2025

26 MINS

26:24

15 Oct 2025


#390

#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... more

08 Oct 2025

18 MINS

18:45

08 Oct 2025


#389

#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 func... more

01 Oct 2025

23 MINS

23:50

01 Oct 2025


#388

#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] ... more

24 Sep 2025

15 MINS

15:37

24 Sep 2025


#387

#378 - Before and After School Routines That Reduce Meltdowns

NEW Motor Skills Digital Course is LIVE! [https://harkla.co/products/motor-skills-course] ... more

17 Sep 2025

23 MINS

23:55

17 Sep 2025


#386

#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... more

10 Sep 2025

54 MINS

54:11

10 Sep 2025


#385

#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 the... more

03 Sep 2025

26 MINS

26:55

03 Sep 2025


#384

#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 retain... more

27 Aug 2025

23 MINS

23:20

27 Aug 2025


#383

#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... more

20 Aug 2025

20 MINS

20:10

20 Aug 2025


#382

#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 ... more

13 Aug 2025

27 MINS

27:08

13 Aug 2025


#381

#372 - Crawling & Ocular Motor Skills: What’s the Connection?

Crawling is a foundational developmental milestone that does more than just strengthen mus... more

06 Aug 2025

17 MINS

17:48

06 Aug 2025