#401 - What Therapists Wish More Pediatricians Talked About

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 

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 

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 

Today’s episode is a little different. We’re sharing an important update about the podcast, our team, and what’s coming next as we move into a new season of All Things Sensory. We talk about Jessica’s decision to step away from her role as co-host and return to the clinic full time, why this transition feels meaningful for her, and what this change means for the future of the podcast. While this marks the end of an era, the mission of the podcast remains the same.Rachel also shares a personal reflection on working alongside Jessica over the years, how the podcast has grown since it launched in 2018, and why this transition is both bittersweet and exciting. Plus, we tease what’s coming next, including solo episodes, and a new OT co-host you may already know!Thanks for listening 🩷 We’d love to hear your favorite Jessica moments, what topics you want covered next, or your guesses about our new co-host.We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 History of the Podcast - Joining Harkla ​​https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/bonus-announcement Jessica’s Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/jessicaaaa_atlarge/ 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 

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 

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 

Is your child constantly sucking their thumb or fingers and you’re wondering if it’s sensory, habit, or something else? This episode comes straight from a parent question on Instagram, and we’re breaking it all down.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why thumb and finger sucking is considered oral sensory seekingWhen sucking is developmentally appropriate and when to look closerCommon reasons older kids continue sucking for regulation or anxietyHow to talk to your child about the habit in a supportive wayPractical sensory and oral motor replacements that actually helpThanks for listening 🩷 If this question hit close to home, share this episode with another parent who’s navigating thumb or finger sucking too.We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 Z-Vibe https://www.arktherapeutic.com/arks-z-vibe-vibrating-oral-motor-tool/ Chew Tubeshttps://www.arktherapeutic.com/handheld-chews/ Chewleryhttps://www.arktherapeutic.com/chewelry/ 5 Ways to Use Proprioception for Calming and Regulationhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHdCj8sWtV0 Top 10 Oral Motor Activities Every Parent Should Knowhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEXEbyBX858&t=443s Sensory Snacks Explainedhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOswosl5pHg All Things Sensory Ep. 376 - Oral Sensory Seeking in Kidshttps://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/376-oral-sensory-seeking-in-kids-what-you-need-to-know-how-to-helpAll 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 

This week, we’re joined by Taylor Kruse, movement coach, educator, and founder of Kruse Elite, who specializes in applied neurology and the nervous system. Taylor works with adults to help them move, feel, and function better but his insights are just as relevant for kids and therapists, too.In this episode, you’ll learn:What “applied neurology” means and how it connects to movement and painWhy visual and vestibular systems are key to body awareness and regulationHow the brainstem, eyes, and tongue all work together for posture and balanceThe impact of mouth breathing and poor CO₂ tolerance on the nervous systemPractical drills for vision, vestibular activation, and improved breathingThanks for listening 🩷 Try one of Taylor’s breathing or visual drills and let us know how it goes!LINKSWe’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 Taylor’s Websitehttps://www.kruseelite.com/Follow Taylor on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kruseelite 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