Shop our Autism Acceptance Month 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

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

What are Primitive Reflexes?

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

All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/

Harkla YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily/playlists

Harkla Website - Shop Sensory Products!

https://harkla.co/

Harkla Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9301367/

Shop our OT Month SALE! Ends April 14th, 2025! 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

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

All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram

Harkla YouTube Channel

Harkla Website - Shop Sensory Products!

Harkla Instagram

The First 1000 Days of Life

Shop our OT Month SALE! Ends April 14th, 2025! https://harkla.co/pages/ot-month-sale

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

All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram

Harkla YouTube Channel

Harkla Website - Shop Sensory Products!

Harkla Instagram

What We Really Do in OT

DIRFloortime

PICA or Oral Seeking?

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

All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram

Harkla YouTube Channel

Harkla Website - Shop Sensory Products!

Harkla Instagram

Crawling for Brain Development

The Jungle Crawl

Advanced Brain Technologies

Sensory Snacks

The Zones of Regulation

Sensory Diet Digital Course

BrainWorks

6 Tips for Crawling

Early Intervention Blueprint

Register for our FREE Live Webinar on March 24, 2025 - https://harkla.co/pages/register-for-the-primitive-reflex-webinar-2025

Primitive reflexes play a crucial role in early development, but when they don’t integrate properly, they can create challenges in the classroom—impacting focus, learning, and behavior. In this episode, we’re breaking down what primitive reflexes are, why they matter, and how retained reflexes can affect children academically, socially, and emotionally.

We’ll explore:

• The role of primitive reflexes in infant development

• How unintegrated reflexes can affect attention, handwriting, posture, and self-regulation

• Signs and symptoms educators and parents should watch for

• Practical strategies for teachers and school staff to support children with retained reflexes

Plus, we’ll wrap up with a listener Q&A on sensory diets and meal planning for a child with ARFID and oral sensitivities!

LINKS

Sensory Dice and Sensory Sticks

Free Classroom Webinar and Improving Focus and Behavior in the Classroom (Full Digital Course)

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

Harkla YouTube Channel

Harkla Website - Shop Sensory Products!

Harkla Instagram

What are Primitive Reflexes?

The Pyramid of Learning

An Introduction to ARFID

We are beyond excited to introduce Harkla’s newest sensory tool—the Sensory Dice! These simple yet powerful dice are designed to make sensory and primitive reflex integration fun, engaging, and effective.

In this episode, we dive into how sensory integration and primitive reflex integration are deeply connected—when you work on one, you naturally support the other! We’ll break down how each of the three Sensory Dice categories (Alerting, Calming, and Focus) can help integrate retained primitive reflexes through movement and sensory-based activities.

We’ll also share specific activities from each dice that target common retained primitive reflexes, such as the Moro, STNR, ATNR, TLR, Palmar Grasp, and more! From yoga flows and windmills to wall push-ups and animal walks, these activities are simple yet effective for supporting nervous system development.

LINKS

Harkla Sensory Activity Dice

Primitive Reflex Digital Course

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

Harkla YouTube Channel

Harkla Website - Shop Sensory Products!

Harkla Instagram

What are Primitive Reflexes?

Maranda Argiros, BCBA and Jenny Barcellona, BCBA provide Behavior Training and Support for Caregivers and Families which consists of Family Focused Treatments and Interventions that equip families with the tools they need to foster behavior change in their natural environment. In addition, they provide Behavior Consulting Services for schools, daycares, and other providers by implementing realistic strategies and techniques to increase skill acquisition while decreasing and managing challenging behaviors. What The Function also provides IEP Advocacy Services and BCBA supervision for students seeking certification. They work to expand the reach and increase public knowledge of how the science of Behavior Analysis is used to help individuals outside of what ABA is typically known for. Marand and Jenny are passionate about the success they have had in using Behavior Analysis across all environments regardless of age, socioeconomic status, and diagnoses.

LINKS

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

Harkla Website

Harkla YouTube

Harkla Instagram

What The Function Website