All Things Sensory by Harkla

I spend so much time thinking about what my clients and my own kiddos need. More movement? Less noise? A sensory break? But sometimes the person who needs those supports is me. And knowing all the regulation strategies doesn’t mean I always remember to use them myself.In this episode, I’m turning the attention back to our own nervous systems. I talk about recognizing sensory overload, finding strategies that work for you, and building them into your day before you’re completely overwhelmed. For my fellow OT practitioners, that includes taking a closer look at our therapeutic use of self. How we connect, respond, and support co-regulation matters just as much as the tools we bring into a session. This is exactly why I wrote Grounded: A Nervous System Regulation Guide for Overstimulated Parents. I’m sharing the experiences behind the book and how it brings together sensory strategies, movement, and practical daily routines. Whether you’re supporting clients, raising kids, or doing both, the goal isn’t to be calm every second. It’s to understand your own needs and have tools to come back to when things feel like too much. Thanks for listening 🩷 Share this with a fellow practitioner who spends their day supporting everyone else and could use a reminder that their nervous system matters, too.LinksSPD MONTH GIVEAWAY‼️Win Over $3,000 in Sensory Support! 💙 Click below to enter!https://harkla.co/pages/spd-month-giveaway Pre-order Grounded and explore the preorder bonuseshttp://sensationalbrain.com/landing/grounded/ 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

If potty training, constipation, accidents, or stool withholding feel way harder than they should, you are not alone. In this episode, we’re talking about pediatric pelvic floor health and why many toileting struggles are actually connected to body awareness, sensory processing, nervous system regulation, and coordination.Amanda shares her perspective as an OT specializing in pediatric pelvic floor health, while Rachel brings in the sensory and regulation lens. Together, we break down why kids who struggle with toileting are not being lazy, stubborn, or defiant, and why pressure and shame often make things worse.We also talk about common signs a child may need extra support, how stress and dysregulation impact the body, and practical strategies families can use at home to make toileting feel safer and more manageable.This episode is all about helping parents better understand what’s happening beneath the surface and reminding families that their child is not broken and they are not failing.Thanks for listening 🩷 If this episode made you feel less alone, share it with another parent navigating toileting struggles right now.LINKSWe’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 Amanda’s Potty Training Resources https://stan.store/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

If your child is constantly crashing into things, squeezing you a little too tight, or always on the move, there’s a good chance they're seeking out proprioceptive input. In this episode, we’re breaking down one of the most important (and often overlooked) sensory systems and why it can feel like a “secret tool” when it comes to regulation.We talk about what proprioception actually is, how it helps with body awareness, and why so many kids need more of this type of input throughout their day. You’ll hear why this system is unique compared to other sensory systems and how it can actually help calm and organize the nervous system, especially during moments of overwhelm or anxiety.We also walk through what it can look like when a child is under-responsive in this system, from big, obvious movements like crashing and jumping to more subtle signs like leaning, slouching, or using too much force when playing or writing. We also touch on how this can show up differently from child to child and why it’s not always easy to spot.Throughout the episode, we share simple ways to start using proprioceptive input as a tool, both for your kids and for yourself. From squeezing, pushing, and pulling, to everyday activities like chewing, exercising, or even leaning against a wall, these strategies can make a big difference in helping the nervous system feel more grounded and regulated.This episode is all about helping you better understand what your child’s body might be asking for and giving you a few simple ways to start supporting it in a practical, realistic way.Thanks for listening 🩷 If this episode helped you understand your child a little better, share it with someone who might be navigating similar sensory needs.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

If your child seems to get a burst of energy right before bed, asks for one more hug, one more drink, or one more lap around the house, it can feel confusing and exhausting. In this episode, we’re breaking down what might really be going on, especially for kids who are sensory seekers.We talk about what it means to have a high sensory threshold and why some kids need more movement, pressure, and input throughout the day to feel regulated. For many of these kids, bedtime isn’t a behavior issue. It’s a nervous system that hasn’t met its sensory needs yet.As the day winds down and the environment gets quieter, their bodies may actually feel more dysregulated, not less. We walk through why this happens, including challenges with body awareness, recognizing tired cues, and the difference between being overtired and under-regulated.We also share some of the most common mistakes we see at bedtime, like expecting kids to go from high energy to completely calm, removing movement too early, or relying on screens to help them wind down.Most importantly, we talk about what actually helps. From adding heavy work before bed, to using deep pressure and creating a predictable wind-down routine, to giving your child a small “top-off” of sensory input right before sleep. These strategies are simple, practical, and designed to work with your child’s nervous system instead of against it.We also touch on when sleep struggles might be connected to something more, like medical or regulation-related challenges, and when it might be helpful to seek additional support.If bedtime has been a struggle in your home, this episode is here to help you understand your child in a new way and give you a few simple things to try this week.Thanks for listening 🩷 If this episode gave you a new perspective on bedtime, share it with a parent who’s in the thick of it right now.We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 Calming Music Amanda Mentionshttps://www.youtube.com/watchBest 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

Recess is often the first thing to go when kids are struggling at school. But what if taking it away is actually making things worse?In this episode, we break down why recess is not a reward and should never be used as a punishment. From a sensory and nervous system perspective, movement is one of the most important tools kids have to regulate, focus, and learn throughout the day.We talk about what a typical school day looks like today and how different it is from previous generations. Many kids are spending hours sitting, working on computers, and getting very little movement. For some students, recess may be the only time all day they have the opportunity to run, play, socialize, and reset their nervous system.This episode walks through what’s actually happening in the brain and body during recess, including the role of movement, social play, emotional regulation, stress reduction, and even digestion. We also discuss why the kids who “struggle the most” are often the ones who need recess the most, and how removing it can create a cycle of more dysregulation, more behavior challenges, and more frustration for everyone involved.We’ll also share practical ways to think differently about discipline and motivation in the classroom, along with simple strategies that support regulation without removing movement. From adding movement into the school day to advocating for your child through an IEP or 504 plan, this conversation is all about supporting kids in a way that actually works.Thanks for listening 🩷 If this episode resonated, share it with a teacher, parent, or school team member who cares about supporting kids in a more effective way.We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 Best Part Multivitaminhttps://bestpartkids.com/ 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

Have you ever wondered why your child seems “fine” all day at school… and then completely falls apart at home? In this episode, we’re breaking down what’s really going on through a sensory lens.We walk through what sensory integration actually means in everyday life, how the brain receives, organizes, and responds to sensory input, and why this process can look very different from child to child. We talk about the difference between being over-responsive, under-responsive, and sensory seeking, and how each of those patterns can show up in behavior, emotions, and daily routines.You’ll also hear a clear, practical explanation of all eight sensory systems, including the three “hidden” senses (vestibular, proprioception, and interoception) that play a huge role in regulation, body awareness, and emotional responses.One of the most important takeaways from this episode is understanding how sensory input builds up throughout the day. Many kids are holding it together in structured environments like school, but by the time they get home, their nervous system is overwhelmed, which is why after-school meltdowns are so common.We also talk about how to tell the difference between sensory quirks and sensory challenges that are actually impacting daily life, why behavior is often communication, and how small, proactive strategies throughout the day can make a big difference in preventing dysregulation later on.This episode is all about helping you see your child and yourself through a new lens, so you can better understand what’s really driving behavior and how to support regulation in a more intentional way.Thanks for listening 🩷 If this episode gave you a new perspective, share it with someone who’s navigating after-school meltdowns or trying to better understand sensory processing.LINKSWe’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 Sensory Preferences Checklisthttps://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1380/9417/files/Copy_of_Mod_3_5_Child_Sensory_Preferences.pdf?v=1729447315Shop our OT Month Sale!https://harkla.co/pages/ot-month-saleEnter the Autism Acceptance Month Giveaway!https://harkla.co/pages/aam-giveaway 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 has been growing conversation around proposed legislation that would require children to be toilet trained before enrolling in kindergarten. In this episode, we take a thoughtful look at what these policies mean from a developmental and occupational therapy perspective.We talk about what the proposed Kansas bill would require, how states like Utah already define “toilet trained,” and the gray area that can exist for children who may not yet have an official diagnosis but are still struggling with toileting for medical, sensory, or developmental reasons.Throughout the conversation, we discuss the many factors that can affect toileting development in young children, including pelvic floor dysfunction, constipation, encopresis, sensory processing differences, interoception challenges, anxiety, and major life changes that can lead to regression. We also look at the real-world challenges schools face when supporting young students and why toileting independence can’t always be viewed as a simple behavior or discipline issue.This episode is not about debating policy. Instead, it’s about understanding child development, recognizing how complex toileting readiness can be, and considering how families, schools, and healthcare professionals can better support kids who are still developing these skills.Thanks for listening 🩷If this conversation resonated with you, share it with a parent, teacher, or therapist navigating potty training or school readiness.LINKSWe’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 Read more about the Kansas bill:https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/02/kansas-bill-would-require-kindergarteners-to-be-potty-trained-before-starting-school/ 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 if movement was built into the school day instead of saved for recess? In this episode, we’re talking about how retained primitive reflexes can impact emotional regulation in the classroom and sharing three simple, powerful activities teachers can use with the entire class.In this episode, you’ll learn:What primitive reflexes are and why they matter for learning and behaviorHow retained reflexes can show up as anxiety, dysregulation, or inattentionThe connection between the Moro, STNR, and ATNR and emotional regulationThree easy, classroom-friendly movements to support regulation and focusHow short, consistent movement breaks can change the feel of the entire classroomThanks for listening 🩷 If you’re a teacher or therapist, try one of these movements with your group and tell us what you notice.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