All Things Sensory by Harkla

If you asked 100 occupational therapists whether they've experienced burnout, how many do you think would say yes?In this episode, we have an honest conversation about burnout in the OT profession. We share our own experiences working in clinics, schools, and early intervention, and talk about the realities that many therapists face every day: overwhelming caseloads, endless documentation, productivity demands, long commutes, emotional exhaustion, and the pressure to constantly do more. We also discuss something that doesn't get talked about enough: how caring deeply about the children and families we serve can make it difficult to leave work at work. From challenging cases to social media comparison, there are so many factors contributing to burnout that go beyond simply being "too busy." Most importantly, we share practical strategies that have helped us protect our nervous systems, advocate for ourselves, set better boundaries, and create more sustainable careers. Thanks for listening 🩷 Whether you're a new grad, a seasoned therapist, or somewhere in between, we hope this conversation helps you feel a little less alone. And reminder: GO ON THE TRIP. We’d love to hear your thoughts: have you experienced burnout and what have you used to combat it? LinksWe’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3Primitive Reflex Digital Coursehttps://harkla.co/products/primitive-reflexes-course All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/ Harkla Website https://harkla.co/ Harkla YouTube​​https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily Harkla Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ Harkla Digital Courseshttps://harkla.co/collections/courses

Feeding a baby can feel overwhelming, especially when things don't go as planned. In this episode, I sit down with Kristin and Maureen from Wild Milk Co., two International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), for a conversation about infant feeding, lactation support, oral ties, and what families really need to know during those early months.We talk about common feeding challenges like painful latch, supply concerns, reflux, colic, and bottle feeding struggles, as well as how oral function and oral ties can impact feeding. We also explore the connection between feeding, sensory processing, nervous system regulation, and infant development, along with what families can expect when working with an IBCLC.Whether you're breastfeeding, bottle feeding, pumping, or doing a combination of all three, this episode is full of practical guidance, reassurance, and encouragement to help you feel more confident in your feeding journey.Thanks for listening 🩷If this episode helped you feel more supported in your feeding journey, share it with another parent who might need to hear it.LINKSWe’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 Wild Milk Co.https://www.wildmilkco.com/ Follow Wild Milk Co. on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wildmilkcoReal Food for Pregnancyhttps://www.amazon.com/Real-Food-Pregnancy-Prenatal-Nutrition/dp/0986295043 IBCLC Masterclass:https://www.lactationmasterclass.com/How to find a masterclass trained IBCLC: https://www.lactationmasterclass.com/findanibclcIdaho Breastfeeding Coalition:https://www.idahobreastfeeding.org/Spectra S2:https://www.spectrababyusa.com/products/spectra-s1-plus-premier-rechargeable-double-electric-breast-pumpEufy Wearable:https://www.eufy.com/products/t8d04121?variant=43660277121210Ninni Co. Pacifier:https://ninnico.com/Medela Harmony:https://www.medela.com/en-us/breastfeeding-pumping/products/pumps/manual/harmony-manual-breast-pump?productId=1021Natural Breastfeeding Video:https://naturalbreastfeeding.com/First Droplets Educational Resource:https://firstdroplets.com/Pigeon Glass Bottles:https://www.pigeonstore.com/Inno Baby Teethers:https://www.innobaby.com/All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/ Harkla Website https://harkla.co/ Harkla YouTube​​https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily Harkla Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ Harkla Digital Courseshttps://harkla.co/collections/courses

Vibration plates are everywhere right now, but how do you actually use them safely and effectively with kids? In this episode, I’m diving into one of my favorite tools and sharing how I use vibration plates in therapy, what the research is saying, and what families and therapists need to know before trying one at home.I talk about how vibration plates work, why they were originally developed, and why they can be such a powerful tool for sensory regulation, body awareness, muscle activation, and reflex integration. I also share some of the biggest safety considerations, including when to avoid using vibration plates, what signs to watch for during sessions, and why “low and slow” is always the best place to start.Throughout the episode, I walk through practical ways I incorporate vibration plates into therapy sessions using functional activities instead of just having kids stand on them. From balance work and yoga flows to games, primitive reflex activities, and sensory integration exercises, I share ideas that make this tool purposeful and engaging.I also discuss what current research is showing around toe walking, constipation, cerebral palsy, and sensory regulation, along with how I decide whether a vibration plate might be helpful for a child at home versus something better used in a clinical setting.This episode is designed to help you feel more informed, more confident, and more thoughtful about using vibration plates with kids in a way that supports the nervous system safely and intentionally.Thanks for listening 🩷If you’ve ever used a vibration plate with your child or in therapy, I’d love to hear about your experience!LINKSWe’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 LifePro Vibration Plateshttps://lifeprofitness.com/collections/vibration-therapy Therapeutic Use of Vibration Plates Webinarhttps://sensationalbrain.com/product/vibration-plates-pediatric-occupational-therapy/ All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/ Harkla Website https://harkla.co/ Harkla YouTube​​https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily Harkla Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ Harkla Digital Courseshttps://harkla.co/collections/courses

In this episode, I’m sharing a very real, very personal story about my daughter and what led me to take her to a developmental optometrist. As both a COTA and a mom, I always tell families “when in doubt, rule it out,” and this was one of those moments where I had to take my own advice.I walk through what I started noticing at home, from how she was positioning her head while writing, to her difficulty with attention during fine motor tasks, to hesitations with sports and play. At first, it was easy to brush some of it off as personality or age, but the patterns kept showing up.I share what our appointment actually looked like, what they were assessing, and the moment that really clicked for me when the doctor showed me what she might be seeing on a daily basis. It was one of those experiences where everything suddenly made more sense.I also talk about the difference between visual acuity and how the eyes actually function together. Just because a child can “see” doesn’t mean their visual system is working efficiently. That was a big takeaway for me and something I think more families need to understand.This episode is really about awareness. Ocular motor skills, accommodation, and visual processing play such a huge role in things like attention, behavior, reading, and overall development, and they’re often overlooked or mistaken for something else.I also share how to know who to go to if you’re noticing similar concerns, what a developmental optometrist actually does, and why this can be such an important piece of the puzzle.This is just the beginning of our journey, and I’ll continue to share updates as we learn more, especially if we move into vision therapy.Thanks for listening 🩷 If this made you think about your own child’s vision in a new way, share it with someone who might need to hear this too.LINKSWe’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 All Things Sensory Episode #75 The Power of Vision Therapy with Dr. Ryan Johnsonhttps://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/75-the-power-of-vision-therapyBest Part Multivitaminhttps://bestpartkids.com/ All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/ Harkla Website https://harkla.co/ Harkla YouTube​​https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily Harkla Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ Harkla Digital Courseshttps://harkla.co/collections/courses

In today’s episode, I’m sharing something a little more personal. This conversation is all about ADHD in women and moms, why it’s so often missed, and what it can actually feel like in real life.For so many of us, ADHD doesn’t look like what we're taught to expect. It’s not always the hyper, can’t-sit-still version we picture in young boys. For women, it often shows up as mental overload, constant overwhelm, emotional ups and downs, and feeling like we just can’t keep up no matter how hard we try. It gets labeled as anxiety, disorganization, or just being “too much,” and we carry that for years without realizing there might be more going on.I share my own journey of starting to question things, what I experienced growing up versus now as a mom, and how masking, perfectionism, and overcompensating played a role in how I showed up. There were moments of relief, validation, and honestly a lot of emotion that came with finally understanding my brain in a different way.I’ll also talk about how ADHD can show up in motherhood. The mental load, the constant juggling, the time blindness, the sensory overwhelm, and the emotional regulation challenges that can feel so intense. Motherhood has a way of bringing all of that to the surface in a way that’s hard to ignore.But this episode isn’t just about the challenges. It’s also about reframing ADHD through a different lens. I talk about the strengths I now recognize in myself, like creativity, problem-solving, empathy, and the ability to hyperfocus. Letting go of unrealistic expectations and the “shoulds” has been a huge part of that process.I also get into what support can actually look like. Things like creating systems that work for your brain, externalizing tasks instead of trying to hold everything mentally, using sensory strategies to regulate, and giving yourself permission to ask for help without guilt.If you’ve ever wondered, “Is this me?” I want you to know that it’s okay to explore that question. You’re not broken, and you’re not failing. Understanding your brain can open the door to so much more compassion and support.Thanks for listening 🩷 If this episode made you feel seen, share it with another mom who might need to hear this too.LINKSWe’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 #233 ADHD in Adults with Dr. Ashleyhttps://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/233-adhd-in-adults-with-dr-ashley-houchin-clinical-psychologist#275 - Alternative Strategies for ADHD with Dr. Davidhttps://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/275-alternative-strategies-for-adhd-with-dr-david-nowell Best Part Multivitaminhttps://bestpartkids.com/ Enter the Autism Acceptance Month Giveaway & Shop Our Sale!https://harkla.co/ All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/ Harkla Website https://harkla.co/ Harkla YouTube​​https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily Harkla Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ Harkla Digital Courseshttps://harkla.co/collections/courses

There are a few phrases I hear over and over again from parents, usually right after they’ve tried everything and nothing worked. If you’ve ever been told things like “they just need more discipline” or “they’ll grow out of it,” this episode is for you.In this episode, I share my perspective as a certified occupational therapy assistant and primitive reflex clinical specialist, reacting to common parenting advice I hear all the time. This isn’t about calling that advice wrong. It’s about understanding what might be missing when we don’t consider a child’s sensory system and nervous system.I’ll walk through familiar phrases like “ignore it and it’ll stop,” “they just need to get used to it,” and “all kids need the same routines,” and explain why these approaches can sometimes fall short. I share how behavior is often rooted in regulation, how sensory needs shape a child’s response to everyday situations, and why the same strategy can work for one child and completely backfire for another.Throughout the episode, you’ll hear practical reframes that help shift from reacting to behavior to understanding what the nervous system actually needs. I also share how I filter parenting advice as a COTA, including the questions I ask before recommending any strategy and why trusting what you’re seeing in your own child matters more than following one-size-fits-all advice.This conversation is a reminder that most parenting advice isn’t wrong, it’s just incomplete. When you start looking at your child through a sensory lens, things begin to make a lot more sense.Thanks for listening 🩷 If this episode made you feel a little more confident in trusting your instincts, share it with someone who’s been second-guessing their parenting lately.LINKSWe’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 Shop our OT Month Sale!https://harkla.co/pages/ot-month-saleEnter the Autism Acceptance Month Giveaway!https://harkla.co/All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/ Harkla Website https://harkla.co/ Harkla YouTube​​https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily Harkla Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ Harkla Digital Courseshttps://harkla.co/collections/courses

In this episode, I share some honest reflections on pediatrician visits - what’s working, what could be improved, and what families truly need more of in those early appointments. This isn’t about criticizing pediatricians, but about opening up the conversation and advocating for better support for babies, kids, and their families.I walk through common phrases like “wait and see” or “they’ll grow out of it,” and why those approaches can sometimes delay important support. I'll also share my personal experience navigating torticollis with my son, feeding, and development and highlight how early intervention, referrals, and education can make a significant difference.I also share what I wish pediatric visits included more of - like education on tummy time, crawling, primitive reflexes, messy play, nutrition, lactation support, and trusted referrals to specialists like OT, PT, and lactation consultants.This episode is ultimately about empowering parents to ask questions, trust their instincts, and advocate for the support their child needs.Thanks for listening 🩷 If this episode resonated, share it with a new or expecting parent who’s navigating those early pediatrician visits.LINKS⁠What To Ask Your Doctor Checklist⁠⁠https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1380/9417/files/WhatToAskYourDoctor_Checklist__EP_145_Freebie_1.pdf⁠ 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 Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ Harkla Digital Courseshttps://harkla.co/collections/courses

Today’s episode is a special one because we’re introducing someone new to the podcast. If you’ve been listening for a while, you know our mission has always been to support families, therapists, and educators with practical, real-life strategies rooted in occupational therapy.As the Harkla team continues to grow, we’re excited to welcome Amanda, our new co-host and in-house occupational therapist to the podcast. In this episode, you’ll hear more about her journey into occupational therapy, the different settings she’s worked in, and the perspective she brings from both early intervention and school-based practice. Amanda shares about working directly in classrooms with children and families, the challenges she sees most often in schools today, and her knowledge of potty training and pediatric pelvic floor health. We’re so excited for this next chapter of the podcast and can’t wait for you to get to know Amanda in upcoming episodes.Thanks for listening 🩷 We’d love to hear from you! What questions would you like Amanda to answer in a future episode?We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 Amanda’s Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/yourpediatricot/ All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/ Harkla Website https://harkla.co/ Harkla YouTube​​https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily Harkla Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ Harkla Digital Courseshttps://harkla.co/collections/courses

Can supplements actually support kids with sensory processing challenges? In this episode, we take a research-based look at supplements commonly recommended for sensory processing disorder and neurodivergent individuals. We talk honestly about what science does (and doesn’t) say.In this episode, you’ll learn:What sensory processing disorder is and how it impacts daily lifeWhy supplements are becoming more common in the sensory worldWhich nutrients show the most promise in current researchWhy quality, testing, and sourcing of supplements really matterHow to safely explore supplements without overwhelming your childThanks for listening 🩷 If this episode got you thinking, share it with a parent or therapist navigating sensory supports.LINKSWe’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 Article Referenced in Episode:https://sfihealth.com/news/can-supplements-help-children-with-sensory-processing-difficultiesSPD Info: 10 Facts About Sensory Processing Disorderhttps://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/277-10-facts-about-sensory-processing-disorderWhat is Sensory Processing Disorder?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fE476Zlyio Navigating SPD Digital Coursehttps://harkla.co/products/navigating-sensory-processing-disorder Research:Mineral-Vitamin Treatment Linked to Sustained Remission of ADHD Symptomshttps://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/cap.2019.0036Potential Role of L-Carnitine in Autism Spectrum Disorderhttps://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/10/6/1202Phosphatidylserine's effect on memory and ADHD symptomshttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23495677/Association of feeding/mealtime behavior issues with internalizing/externalizing problems in children with autismhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30761818/Sensory processing patterns in children with ASD and ADHDhttps://mecp.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s43045-024-00441-6Get More Content:All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/ Harkla Website https://harkla.co/ Harkla YouTube​​https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily Harkla Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ Harkla Digital Courseshttps://harkla.co/collections/courses

Making friends can be hard, and for neurodivergent kids, the path to connection often looks a little different. This episode was inspired by a question from Instagram and dives into practical, compassionate ways to support social connection without forcing kids to fit into a mold that doesn’t work for them.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why friendship can be more challenging for neurodivergent kidsHow sensory processing, executive function, and communication impact social skillsWhy quality of connection matters more than the number of friendsOT-informed strategies to support social interaction in safe, structured waysHow to build friendships by leaning into a child’s strengths and interestsThanks for listening 🩷 If this episode resonated, share it with a parent or therapist supporting a neurodivergent child.LINKSWe’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 Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ Harkla Digital Courseshttps://harkla.co/collections/courses

“I didn’t crawl and I’m fine.” We hear this all the time - from parents, grandparents, and even professionals. And while it can be true, there’s a lot more nuance to the conversation.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why crawling plays such a critical role in developmentHow crawling supports strength, coordination, vision, and primitive reflex integrationWhy skipping crawling may not seem like a problem early on, but can impact coordination, learning, and regulation laterSimple ways to encourage crawling in babies, kids, and even adultsHow to respond (kindly and confidently) when someone says, “I didn’t crawl and I’m fine”Thanks for listening 🩷 If this episode made you think differently about crawling, share it with someone who says they’re “fine” without it.LINKSWe’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - ⁠https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3⁠ Why Crawling Is Essential for Babies, Kids & Adults? Infant Development & OT Strategieshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKcDD9FtVIY Crawling for Brain Developmenthttps://sensationalbrain.com/product/crawling-brain-development-curriculum/ All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/ Harkla Website https://harkla.co/ Harkla YouTube​​https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily Harkla Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ Harkla Digital Courseshttps://harkla.co/collections/courses

Swinging, spinning, and jumping can be incredible tools for regulation but they can also lead to overstimulation if we’re not careful. In this episode, we’re breaking down how to safely use vestibular input (aka movement) to support sensory regulation without causing meltdowns or motion sickness.In this episode, you’ll learn:What the vestibular system is and why it’s so importantThe difference between seekers, avoiders, and under-respondersSigns of vestibular overload and what to look forHow to safely build up tolerance to spinning, swinging, and movementTips for balancing vestibular input with proprioception for regulationThanks for listening 🩷 Share this episode with a parent or therapist who wants to better understand movement and regulation!LINKSWe’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 Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ Harkla Digital Courseshttps://harkla.co/collections/courses What is Vestibular Input? (Blog Post) https://harkla.co/blogs/special-needs/vestibular-input?_pos=4&_sid=58b88ae0e&_ss=r What is the Vestibular System? (Podcast)https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/21-vestibular-system?_pos=1&_sid=58b88ae0e&_ss=r Sensory Dice https://harkla.co/collections/focus/products/sensory-activity-foam-dice Sensory Sticks https://harkla.co/collections/focus/products/sensory-activity-sticks Sensory Cardshttps://harkla.co/collections/focus/products/sensory-activity-cards Research Articles:Vestibular Input in Children https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/11/1/2Vestibular Activity and Development in Children https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/integrative-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnint.2013.00092/fullVestibular Dysfunction in Children https://vestibular.org/article/diagnosis-treatment/types-of-vestibular-disorders/pediatric-vestibular-disorders/part-i-vestibular-dysfunction-children/ Epidemiology of Vestibular Impairmentshttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6054584/Assessment of Vestibular Function in the Pediatric Population https://www.audiology.org/practice-guideline/american-academy-of-audiology-clinical-consensus-statement-assessment-of-vestibular-function-in-the-pediatric-population/Effectiveness of Vestibular and Proprioceptive Exercises in Reducing Hyperactivity in Children with Autismhttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S305065652500015X#:~:text=Vestibular%20and%20proprioceptive%20training%20significantly,significant%20changes%20in%20vestibular%20function. Association of Sensory Processing and Behavioral Challenges in Children https://research.aota.org/ajot/article-abstract/78/Supplement_2/7811500008p1/25267/Association-of-Sensory-Processing-amp-Behavioral?redirectedFrom=fulltext