#412 - Why We're Screening More COVID-Era Kids for Primitive Reflexes

If you asked 100 occupational therapists whether they've experienced burnout, how many do you think would say yes?In this episode, we have an honest conversation about burnout in the OT profession. We share our own experiences working in clinics, schools, and early intervention, and talk about the realities that many therapists face every day: overwhelming caseloads, endless documentation, productivity demands, long commutes, emotional exhaustion, and the pressure to constantly do more. We also discuss something that doesn't get talked about enough: how caring deeply about the children and families we serve can make it difficult to leave work at work. From challenging cases to social media comparison, there are so many factors contributing to burnout that go beyond simply being "too busy." Most importantly, we share practical strategies that have helped us protect our nervous systems, advocate for ourselves, set better boundaries, and create more sustainable careers. Thanks for listening 🩷 Whether you're a new grad, a seasoned therapist, or somewhere in between, we hope this conversation helps you feel a little less alone. And reminder: GO ON THE TRIP. We’d love to hear your thoughts: have you experienced burnout and what have you used to combat it? LinksWe’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3Primitive Reflex Digital Coursehttps://harkla.co/products/primitive-reflexes-course 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 was born between 2018 and 2022, should they have their primitive reflexes screened?In this episode, we explore how the COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted child development and why Rachel believes primitive reflex screenings should become a routine part of early childhood care. From pregnancy stress and delayed services to increased screen time, fewer social opportunities, and less movement, they discuss how these experiences may have affected (and continue to affect) kids today.We also explain what primitive reflexes are, how retained reflexes can impact learning, behavior, coordination, and emotional regulation, and what signs parents, therapists, and educators may want to watch for.This conversation isn't meant to cause fear or point blame. We want people to get curious, focus on early identification, and give kids the support they need to thrive.Thanks for listening 🩷 We'd love to hear your thoughts. Do you have a pandemic-era child, and have you noticed any of the challenges we discussed?LinksWe’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 Primitive Reflex Digital Coursehttps://harkla.co/products/primitive-reflexes-course 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 

Feeding a baby can feel overwhelming, especially when things don't go as planned. In this episode, I sit down with Kristin and Maureen from Wild Milk Co., two International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), for a conversation about infant feeding, lactation support, oral ties, and what families really need to know during those early months.We talk about common feeding challenges like painful latch, supply concerns, reflux, colic, and bottle feeding struggles, as well as how oral function and oral ties can impact feeding. We also explore the connection between feeding, sensory processing, nervous system regulation, and infant development, along with what families can expect when working with an IBCLC.Whether you're breastfeeding, bottle feeding, pumping, or doing a combination of all three, this episode is full of practical guidance, reassurance, and encouragement to help you feel more confident in your feeding journey.Thanks for listening 🩷If this episode helped you feel more supported in your feeding journey, share it with another parent who might need to hear it.LINKSWe’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 Wild Milk Co.https://www.wildmilkco.com/ Follow Wild Milk Co. on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wildmilkcoReal Food for Pregnancyhttps://www.amazon.com/Real-Food-Pregnancy-Prenatal-Nutrition/dp/0986295043 IBCLC Masterclass:https://www.lactationmasterclass.com/How to find a masterclass trained IBCLC: https://www.lactationmasterclass.com/findanibclcIdaho Breastfeeding Coalition:https://www.idahobreastfeeding.org/Spectra S2:https://www.spectrababyusa.com/products/spectra-s1-plus-premier-rechargeable-double-electric-breast-pumpEufy Wearable:https://www.eufy.com/products/t8d04121?variant=43660277121210Ninni Co. Pacifier:https://ninnico.com/Medela Harmony:https://www.medela.com/en-us/breastfeeding-pumping/products/pumps/manual/harmony-manual-breast-pump?productId=1021Natural Breastfeeding Video:https://naturalbreastfeeding.com/First Droplets Educational Resource:https://firstdroplets.com/Pigeon Glass Bottles:https://www.pigeonstore.com/Inno Baby Teethers:https://www.innobaby.com/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 

Vibration plates are everywhere right now, but how do you actually use them safely and effectively with kids? In this episode, I’m diving into one of my favorite tools and sharing how I use vibration plates in therapy, what the research is saying, and what families and therapists need to know before trying one at home.I talk about how vibration plates work, why they were originally developed, and why they can be such a powerful tool for sensory regulation, body awareness, muscle activation, and reflex integration. I also share some of the biggest safety considerations, including when to avoid using vibration plates, what signs to watch for during sessions, and why “low and slow” is always the best place to start.Throughout the episode, I walk through practical ways I incorporate vibration plates into therapy sessions using functional activities instead of just having kids stand on them. From balance work and yoga flows to games, primitive reflex activities, and sensory integration exercises, I share ideas that make this tool purposeful and engaging.I also discuss what current research is showing around toe walking, constipation, cerebral palsy, and sensory regulation, along with how I decide whether a vibration plate might be helpful for a child at home versus something better used in a clinical setting.This episode is designed to help you feel more informed, more confident, and more thoughtful about using vibration plates with kids in a way that supports the nervous system safely and intentionally.Thanks for listening 🩷If you’ve ever used a vibration plate with your child or in therapy, I’d love to hear about your experience!LINKSWe’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 LifePro Vibration Plateshttps://lifeprofitness.com/collections/vibration-therapy Therapeutic Use of Vibration Plates Webinarhttps://sensationalbrain.com/product/vibration-plates-pediatric-occupational-therapy/ 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 

In this episode, I’m sharing a very real, very personal story about my daughter and what led me to take her to a developmental optometrist. As both a COTA and a mom, I always tell families “when in doubt, rule it out,” and this was one of those moments where I had to take my own advice.I walk through what I started noticing at home, from how she was positioning her head while writing, to her difficulty with attention during fine motor tasks, to hesitations with sports and play. At first, it was easy to brush some of it off as personality or age, but the patterns kept showing up.I share what our appointment actually looked like, what they were assessing, and the moment that really clicked for me when the doctor showed me what she might be seeing on a daily basis. It was one of those experiences where everything suddenly made more sense.I also talk about the difference between visual acuity and how the eyes actually function together. Just because a child can “see” doesn’t mean their visual system is working efficiently. That was a big takeaway for me and something I think more families need to understand.This episode is really about awareness. Ocular motor skills, accommodation, and visual processing play such a huge role in things like attention, behavior, reading, and overall development, and they’re often overlooked or mistaken for something else.I also share how to know who to go to if you’re noticing similar concerns, what a developmental optometrist actually does, and why this can be such an important piece of the puzzle.This is just the beginning of our journey, and I’ll continue to share updates as we learn more, especially if we move into vision therapy.Thanks for listening 🩷 If this made you think about your own child’s vision in a new way, share it with someone who might need to hear this too.LINKSWe’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 All Things Sensory Episode #75 The Power of Vision Therapy with Dr. Ryan Johnsonhttps://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/75-the-power-of-vision-therapyBest Part Multivitaminhttps://bestpartkids.com/ 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 

In today’s episode, I’m sharing something a little more personal. This conversation is all about ADHD in women and moms, why it’s so often missed, and what it can actually feel like in real life.For so many of us, ADHD doesn’t look like what we're taught to expect. It’s not always the hyper, can’t-sit-still version we picture in young boys. For women, it often shows up as mental overload, constant overwhelm, emotional ups and downs, and feeling like we just can’t keep up no matter how hard we try. It gets labeled as anxiety, disorganization, or just being “too much,” and we carry that for years without realizing there might be more going on.I share my own journey of starting to question things, what I experienced growing up versus now as a mom, and how masking, perfectionism, and overcompensating played a role in how I showed up. There were moments of relief, validation, and honestly a lot of emotion that came with finally understanding my brain in a different way.I’ll also talk about how ADHD can show up in motherhood. The mental load, the constant juggling, the time blindness, the sensory overwhelm, and the emotional regulation challenges that can feel so intense. Motherhood has a way of bringing all of that to the surface in a way that’s hard to ignore.But this episode isn’t just about the challenges. It’s also about reframing ADHD through a different lens. I talk about the strengths I now recognize in myself, like creativity, problem-solving, empathy, and the ability to hyperfocus. Letting go of unrealistic expectations and the “shoulds” has been a huge part of that process.I also get into what support can actually look like. Things like creating systems that work for your brain, externalizing tasks instead of trying to hold everything mentally, using sensory strategies to regulate, and giving yourself permission to ask for help without guilt.If you’ve ever wondered, “Is this me?” I want you to know that it’s okay to explore that question. You’re not broken, and you’re not failing. Understanding your brain can open the door to so much more compassion and support.Thanks for listening 🩷 If this episode made you feel seen, share it with another mom who might need to hear this too.LINKSWe’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 #233 ADHD in Adults with Dr. Ashleyhttps://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/233-adhd-in-adults-with-dr-ashley-houchin-clinical-psychologist#275 - Alternative Strategies for ADHD with Dr. Davidhttps://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/275-alternative-strategies-for-adhd-with-dr-david-nowell Best 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