#387 - Retained Primitive Reflexes: The Overlooked Cause of Struggles in the Classroom
Teachers and therapists often see students struggling with focus, posture, handwriting, or behavior but the root cause might not be what you think. Retained primitive reflexes can have a huge impact in the classroom. 📚In this episode, you’ll learn:What primitive reflexes are and why they matterHow retained reflexes show up in school settingsSimple classroom strategies to support studentsWhy movement breaks and alternative seating make a differenceThanks for tuning in 🩷 If this episode was helpful, share it with a teacher or therapist who could use these strategies!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 YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily Harkla Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ Harkla Digital Courseshttps://harkla.co/collections/courses Pyramid of Learninghttps://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1380/9417/files/Freebie-_Pyramid_of_Learning.pdf?v=1758648557 Tessa’s Interviewhttps://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/369-unlocking-classroom-success-with-reflex-integration-with-dr-tessa-grigg Sensory Activity Cardshttps://harkla.co/collections/focus/products/sensory-activity-cards Sensory Dicehttps://harkla.co/collections/focus/products/sensory-activity-foam-dice Sensory Sticks https://harkla.co/collections/focus/products/sensory-activity-sticks Classroom Course https://harkla.co/products/classroom-sensory-training Primitive Reflex Coursehttps://harkla.co/products/primitive-reflexes-course
--------
19:43
--------
19:43
#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 doesn’t always mean they’re being “defiant.” 💡In this episode, you’ll learn:Why kids say “no” to sensory activitiesHow rapport & co-regulation make a differenceWhen hunger, sleep, or illness affect behaviorSimple ways to modify activities so kids succeedThanks for listening 🩷 We’re so glad you’re here and can’t wait to hang out with you again next week! 🌈LINKSBlack Friday/Cyber Monday Salehttps://harkla.co/pages/black-friday-cyber-mondayWe’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 YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily Harkla Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ Harkla Digital Courseshttps://harkla.co/collections/courses Sensory Diet Digital Coursehttps://harkla.co/products/sensory-diet-course
--------
20:27
--------
20:27
#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, weight gain is a concern, or oral motor skills seem delayed. In this episode, we respond to a real-life question from a parent about their 10-month-old struggling with solids and tongue movement.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why core and trunk strength impact oral motor developmentThe importance of ruling out tongue ties, torticollis, or delayed milestonesPlay-based strategies to support oral motor skills outside the high chairHelpful tools like the Z-Vibe, bite blocks, and vibrating teethersWhen to seek out additional support from an SLP, IBCLC, or pediatric specialistThanks for listening 🩷 Share this episode with a parent or therapist who is supporting an infant with feeding challenges!LINKSEarly Bird Black Friday Sale Opt-Inhttps://harkla.co/pages/earlybird-subscribe-pageWe’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 YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily Harkla Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ Harkla Digital Courseshttps://harkla.co/collections/courses Z Vibe https://www.arktherapeutic.com/arks-z-vibe-vibrating-oral-motor-tool/ Myo Muncheehttps://myomunchee.com/bebe Bite Blocks https://www.arktherapeutic.com/ark-bite-blocks-for-jaw-grading-stability/ Vibrating Teetherhttps://www.amazon.com/Infantino-Vibrating-Teether-Style-Vary/dp/B0047WGOLQ/ref=sr_1_6 NUK Brushhttps://www.amazon.com/NUK-Massage-Brush-Germany-White/dp/B0CTJ5JKL5 Early Intervention Blueprint Digital Coursehttps://harkla.co/products/infant-sensory-development-course Reddit Thread Questionhttps://www.reddit.com/r/slp/comments/1m8zlsl/baby_struggling_with_solids/
--------
13:32
--------
13:32
#384 - OT Tips to Handle Sensory Challenges This Fall
The transition from fall into the holiday season can feel overwhelming for both parents and sensory kids. Between weather changes, shorter days, holiday stress, and immune system struggles, it’s no wonder regulation gets harder this time of year.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why meltdowns and anxiety increase in fall and winterHow weather, daylight, and school routines affect regulationThe impact of rigid thinking with clothing changesSimple strategies to reduce stress and support sensory kidsImmune-boosting ideas and cozy after-school routines that actually helpThanks for listening 🩷 Share this episode with a parent or teacher who could use some fall regulation tips!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 YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily Harkla Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ Harkla Digital Courseshttps://harkla.co/collections/courses Sensory Diet Digital Coursehttps://harkla.co/products/sensory-diet-course
--------
21:50
--------
21:50
#383 - Low Muscle Tone or Retained Reflex? How to Decode the Signs
Primitive Reflex Digital Course https://harkla.co/products/primitive-reflexes-courseNEW Motor Skills Digital Course is LIVE! https://harkla.co/products/motor-skills-courseIn this episode, we break down the difference between low core strength and a retained Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR), a primitive reflex that plays a huge role in posture, coordination, and motor development. Whether you’re a parent, therapist, or educator, this episode will give you the tools to better understand and support the children in your life.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy primitive reflexes matter for movement, attention, and emotional regulationThe Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR): what it is, how it develops, and what happens if it doesn’t integrateSigns of low core strength vs. signs of a retained TLR during the Superman positionHow muscle tone challenges connect to reflexesPractical strategies to assess and address both core weakness and retained reflexesTips for parents and professionals to create fun, consistent, and effective routinesLINKSWe’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 YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily Harkla Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ Harkla Digital Courseshttps://harkla.co/collections/courses Muscle Tone vs. Muscle Strengthhttps://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/108-muscle-tone-vs-muscle-strength Research Article - The Relationship Between Primitive Reflexes and Motor Proficiency https://brieflands.com/articles/jmcl-158078.pdf SPD Sale https://harkla.co/pages/spd-awareness-month-2025
Rachel Harrington and Jessica Hill, are two passionate Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants 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. At Harkla, our goal is to help those with special needs live happy and healthy lives.
Escucha All Things Sensory by Harkla, Cuentos de Buenas Noches para Niñas Rebeldes y muchos más podcasts de todo el mundo con la aplicación de radio.net
México