#375 - Anxiety in the Classroom: The Hidden Link to the Moro Reflex

Sarah Selznick, MS, OTR/L is an occupational therapist, author, and the founder of Sensory Explorers, a private practice supporting children, caregivers, and adults through sensory wellness, pelvic health, and developmental care. She’s the creator of the online Super Poopers course, helping families navigate pediatric bowel and bladder challenges with humor and heart. Sarah is also the author and illustrator of children’s books that support early learning and independence — including I Am Learning: How to Poop in the Toilet and I am Learning how to Listen to my Body. You can find her on Instagram @sensoryexplorers for tips, tools, and a peek into her playful approach to therapy. Sign up for her newsletter to stay in the loop: www.sensoryexplorers.comLINKSWe’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/HarklaFamilyHarkla Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/Harkla Digital Courseshttps://harkla.co/collections/coursesInterview with Quiara Smith, OTR/Lhttps://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/315-pediatric-pelvic-health-occupational-therapy-with-quiara-smith-otr-l?_pos=1&_sid=a8fdc59f2&_ss=rAn Interview with Dr. Steve Hodgeshttps://kidsbowelbladder.com/an-interview-with-dr-steve-hodges/

Have you ever wondered why some children constantly chew on clothing, pencils, or even their hair? In this episode of All Things Sensory, we’re diving into oral sensory seeking—what it is, why it happens, and how to support children who experience it.Children who are sensory seekers often crave oral input to regulate their nervous system. Chewing, sucking, and biting provide proprioceptive input that can be calming, especially for children experiencing stress, anxiety, or fight-or-flight responses.Oral sensory seeking is more than just a “bad habit”—it’s communication. With the right tools, strategies, and understanding, you can help your child meet their sensory needs safely and successfully.LINKSWe’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3⁠Tips for Oral Seekers⁠https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/159-tips-for-oral-seekers?_pos=1&_sid=cf200d27b&_ss=r⁠PICA or Oral Seeking?⁠https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/263-pica-or-oral-seeking-sensory-strategies-for-both?_pos=3&_sid=cf200d27b&_ss=r⁠ARK Therapeutic ⁠https://www.arktherapeutic.com/⁠Buzz Buddy (Amazon)⁠https://a.co/d/8GnT2AVAll Things Sensory Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/Harkla Website https://harkla.co/Harkla YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamilyHarkla Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/Harkla Digital Courseshttps://harkla.co/collections/courses

In this episode, we dive deep into the connection between childhood anxiety and the retained Moro Reflex — and how both can impact children in the classroom. From understanding what anxiety looks like in a school setting, to uncovering the role of primitive reflexes, we’ll explore how to support children who struggle with heightened worry, reactivity, and sensory sensitivity.A retained Moro reflex can mimic or worsen classroom anxiety. Kids may:Overreact to sounds, lights, or unexpected touchStruggle with transitions or changes in routineLive in a constant state of fight-or-flight, making it harder to focus or socializeStartle easily, avoid certain activities, or have ongoing challenges with attentionThese signs may point to an underlying reflex that hasn’t fully integrated. Tune in to learn how understanding this mind-body connection can transform the way we support children in school and at home.LINKSWe’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 FREE Primitive Reflex Checklisthttps://harkla.co/pages/freebies?_pos=1&_sid=be7c6473f&_ss=r⁠Movements That Heal (Amazon)⁠https://a.co/d/hyQrYLA⁠Harkla Digital Courses⁠https://harkla.co/collections/coursesAll Things Sensory Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/Harkla Website https://harkla.co/Harkla YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamilyHarkla Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/

This week, we’re diving into one of our favorite topics - Motor Labs! These movement-based, circuit-style spaces are game-changers for students of all ages, especially those with ADHD, autism, sensory processing challenges, or retained primitive reflexes.We’ll break down:What a Motor Lab is and who benefits mostThe science-backed benefits like improved attention, self-regulation, and foundational sensory-motor skillsCalm down zones that promote emotional regulationHow to set up your Motor Lab in any school space — from hallways to empty classroomsCustomizing for student needs including sensory seekers vs. sensory avoidersSimple ways to track progress and collaborate with staffCommon challenges and practical solutions to overcome themIdeas for keeping movement going outside the lab with brain breaks, transitions, and in-class sensory toolsWe’ll also share our favorite resources, from budget-friendly equipment to apps that support motor planning.LINKSWe’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 Digital Course Libraryhttps://harkla.co/collections/coursesMotor Labs - Sensational Brain CEU Coursehttps://sensationalbrain.com/product/motor-labs-sensory-paths/All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/Harkla Website https://harkla.co/Harkla YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamilyHarkla Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/

Do you have a student who’s always moving, touching everything, or humming non-stop? They might be a sensory seeker—a child with a high sensory threshold who craves extra input to feel regulated.In this episode of All Things Sensory, we break down what sensory seeking really means, why it can look different for every child, and how to proactively support these students in the classroom. We’ll share real-life examples, practical strategies you can start using tomorrow, and the one thing you should never take away from a sensory seeker.Plus—we’ve got a free Sensory Preferences Checklist to help you understand each child’s unique needs!FREE Sensory Preference Checklisthttps://harkla.co/pages/freebiesImproving Focus and Behavior in the Classroom Digital Coursehttps://harkla.co/products/classroom-sensory-trainingA Balanced Brain: A Multi-Sensory Program for Learning and  Focus https://harkla.co/products/balanced-brainClassroom Sensory Kitshttps://harkla.co/products/classroom-sensory-kit?_pos=1&_sid=79e63bbfb&_ss=rMixed Sensory Needshttps://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/316-supporting-mixed-sensory-needs-children-adults?_pos=1&_sid=65c45e7a7&_ss=rSupporting Sensory Seekershttps://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/348-supporting-sensory-seekers-practical-tips-for-every-day?_pos=7&_sid=88bd86b3a&_ss=rBefore School Strategieshttps://harkla.co/blogs/special-needs/before-school-strategies?_pos=4&_sid=5d068f958&_ss=rAfter School Strategieshttps://harkla.co/blogs/special-needs/after-school-strategies?_pos=2&_sid=5d068f958&_ss=rSchool Sensory Breakshttps://youtu.be/TzxL6YEBl6c?si=Yt50AQWu1htefhxSBack to School Tipshttps://youtu.be/o3LdX9NuxYw?si=K3cYJtOJlVdUwAXgCrawling for Brain Development https://sensationalbrain.com/product/crawling-brain-development-curriculum/All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/Harkla Website https://harkla.co/Harkla YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamilyHarkla Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/

Crawling is a foundational developmental milestone that does more than just strengthen muscles — it plays a critical role in developing the visual system, especially ocular motor skills such as tracking, convergence, and coordinated eye movements.We’re diving into why crawling is essential and how to help children of ALL ages crawl! LINKSWe’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 Early Intervention Blueprint https://harkla.co/products/infant-sensory-development-courseCrawling for Brain Development https://sensationalbrain.com/product/crawling-brain-development-curriculum/All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/Harkla Website https://harkla.co/Harkla YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamilyHarkla Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/

Is your child/client constantly skipping words while reading, losing their place on the page, or avoiding reading altogether? These might not be “reading problems”—they could be visual problems.In this episode, we break down how ocular motor skills—specifically saccades, pursuits, and convergence—are essential for reading success. You’ll learn how these visual skills impact everything from decoding to attention span, and why children with ADHD, sensory processing disorder, or retained primitive reflexes are at higher risk for visual-motor challenges.LINKSRelationship Between Ocular Motility and Motor Skillshttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11698614/Primitive Reflex Integration and Reading in the Classroomhttps://jneuroscience.com/2023/02/26/primitive-reflex-integration-and-reading-achievement-in-the-classroom/Statistics of Infants’ Natural Visual Experience https://jov.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2792416We’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/HarklaFamilyHarkla Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/

In this episode, we break down what ocular motor skills really are, how they affect your child’s behavior and development, and most importantly simple at-home activities you can start using right away to help.They also share how retained primitive reflexes, screen time, and missed developmental milestones can all impact how your child’s eyes work together — and why this often goes unnoticed.Whether you’re a parent, therapist, or educator, this episode is full of practical tools you can start today. Here’s what you’ll learn: What ocular motor skills really are (hint: it’s not just 20/20 vision!)Signs your child might be struggling with visual tracking or coordinationEasy, playful at-home activities for:Saccades (eye jumping)Pursuits (smooth tracking)Convergence & divergence (eye teaming)How primitive reflexes and screen time impact visionTips for building a consistent and doable home exercise routineAnd, we'll answer a listener question at the end of the episode. Happy listening! LINKSWe’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 Ocular Motor Skills Screening Videohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMSVhwIL5wI&t=11sAssessing Primitive Reflexes Videohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkGDm3t2hb8&t=1sBrock String Instructionshttps://www.optometrists.org/vision-therapy/guide-to-vision-therapy/vision-therapy-faqs/how-is-a-brock-string-used/Spot Ithttps://www.spotitgame.com/Zoomballhttps://www.amazon.com/Toysmith-6219-Zip-Ball/dp/B00E6DXQU8/ref=sr_1_3?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9wtOAvhcy8jgIIeXS3esac48UmRrA0araB1icT_BW19b5HZVhEuyaKG-Ol5vGUNVEPSfO1x7UHrpflm1GmNTMLbeaernwnXIy-Dku7CqPUBlD9pnMEHeFNF54jWVJcgWOa_UXJ7HbqnmbqssbFeU-NfwXZH5MN1xLnOP5z6dFqN5X0yr4OzQ3EVyl155PjJ6sInCbUUCcQoLp70CERAeNxnQ1wiE6p-IZb6Gd_SrrjT-JrbMONntd9tdIflCvBKEl2mlfk6wwc-Jj20SJKoRAc8LZCOieWhOYy5zQBC9VLA.i5FuA9BWsSe4NReui8vk3vdZFtEmEpBd_hPz8xfAfHc&dib_tag=se&keywords=zoom%2Bball&qid=1752800406&refinements=p_72%3A1248963011&rnid=1248961011&s=toys-and-games&sr=1-3&th=1A Balanced Brain Full Digital Coursehttps://harkla.co/products/balanced-brainEarly Intervention Blueprint Full Digital Course https://harkla.co/products/infant-sensory-development-courseAll Things Sensory Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/Harkla Website https://harkla.co/Harkla YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamilyHarkla Instagram

In episode of All Things Sensory, we sit down with the incredible Dr. Tessa Grigg - PhD, Dip Tch (Primary) Dip Tch (ECE). She has a wide range of experience within the Early Childhood Education field. She has taught in a Primary School, supervised a preschool with specialist work in the sensory-motor area, worked as a Child and Family Therapist, taught adult students in teaching and child development, and owned and operated a GymbaROO centre for nine years. Tessa is the "Tessa" in Tessarose Productions, a business that has produced music for children for over 30 years. Currently, Tessa is a certified Rhythmic Movement Training Practitioner and runs a Kinesiology clinic for children and adults. Following the completion of a PhD focused on children's primitive reflexes, Tessa now works part-time as a lecturer at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, and is the Research and Education Manager for GymbaROO-KindyROO in Australia.We chat about:How Tessa’s career path led her to primitive reflex researchThe surprising effects of natural disasters (like earthquakes) and the pandemic on reflex development in childrenHer fascinating classroom-based research showing how simple, rhythmic movement interventions can dramatically impact learning, emotional regulation, and behaviorWhy crawling and skipping might just be two of the most important activities your child can do dailyHow to bring reflex integration into schools and homes without overwhelmWhether you’re a parent, therapist, or educator, this episode is filled with practical tips, lightbulb moments, and hopeful reminders that everything can change when we meet kids where they are.LINKSTessa's Research Articleshttps://jneuroscience.com/jnen/articles/v9n1/jnen-103-tess-grigg.pdfhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29529872/Visit Tessa’s website https://www.gymbaroo.com.au/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 YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamilyHarkla Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/

Headaches that won’t go away? Trouble reading or switching between screens? Feeling drained after a day at your desk? These might not be random quirks—they could be signs of ocular motor deficits.In this episode, we’re diving into how visual-ocular challenges—convergence, saccades, and pursuits—can impact adults in everyday life. You’ll hear a personal story, a powerful example of how unresolved visual motor skills led to chronic headaches, and how vision therapy changed everything.We’ll also unpack the key signs of ocular motor dysfunction in adults, how they’re often linked to headaches, fatigue, and even ADHD symptoms, and why primitive reflexes might still be at play long after childhood. You’ll learn simple screening tools to try at home and get expert insight into what interventions actually help.LINKSWe’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 Free live webinar on July 16th https://harkla.co/pages/infant-sensory-development-webinar-registration-2025Primitive Reflex Digital Coursehttps://harkla.co/products/primitive-reflexes-courseAll Things Sensory Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/Harkla Website https://harkla.co/Harkla YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamilyHarkla Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/