All Things Sensory by Harkla

Starting your first school-based OT job can feel overwhelming. Between IEP meetings, evaluations, accommodations, and the endless acronyms, it can be hard to know where to start.
In this episode, we break down the basics of school-based occupational therapy. Amanda shares what she wishes every new school-based OT knew before walking into their first IEP meeting, explains the differences between IEPs, 504 plans, and MTSS, and offers practical tips for collaborating with teachers, administrators, and the rest of the educational team.
We'll also discuss how school-based OT differs from clinic-based practice, why goals need to be educationally relevant, what consultative services actually look like, and how to feel more confident advocating for students while working as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Whether you're a new graduate, transitioning into the schools, or just curious about how school-based OT works, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you feel more prepared.
Links
We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 
Sensory Strategies for the Classroom Course
https://harkla.co/products/classroom-sensory-training?srsltid=AfmBOoqG8NnYkiSWB_T-oxJNV3RI0lYd5-kUy9draacDoX5fsnDIxqvt
Classroom Sensory Kits
https://harkla.co/products/classroom-sensory-kit?srsltid=AfmBOopRCtKs2HeI1HXt-Iw30p0DTLiFkRgc2SyW7PUyCSGW8Zd5e__H
Slant Board for Writing 
https://amzn.to/44GU0mI
Loop Scissors
https://amzn.to/4pv9x2q

All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram 
https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/ 
Harkla Website 
https://harkla.co/ 
Harkla YouTube
​​https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily 
Harkla Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ 
Harkla Digital Courses
https://harkla.co/collections/courses

Have you ever worked with a child who seems extremely cautious, shuts down when something feels hard, or gives up before they even get started? There may be more going on than meets the eye.
In this episode, we take a closer look at the Fear Paralysis Reflex (FPR), one of the lesser-known primitive reflexes that can have a significant impact on a child's development. We explain what the reflex is, why it serves an important purpose before birth, and what it can look like if it's retained beyond infancy.
Together, we explore how a retained Fear Paralysis Reflex may contribute to challenges like anxiety, perfectionism, selective mutism, low self-esteem, emotional regulation, and an intense fear of making mistakes. We also share why it's so important to look beyond behavior, connect with the child in front of you, and remember that your therapeutic relationship is often more powerful than any activity you have planned.
Whether you're a therapist, educator, or parent, this episode will help you better understand the nervous system and offer a more compassionate lens for supporting children who seem fearful, hesitant, or overwhelmed.
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 Website 
https://harkla.co/ 
Harkla YouTube
​​https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily 
Harkla Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ 
Harkla Digital Courses
https://harkla.co/collections/courses

Here's a hot take: sometimes the most dysregulating part of occupational therapy is the clinic itself.
In this episode, we take a closer look at how the therapy environment can impact a child's nervous system and why the space around us is just as important as the intervention itself. From fluorescent lighting and visual clutter to noisy waiting rooms, strong fragrances, and harsh cleaning products, we discuss simple ways to create a calmer, more regulation-friendly environment for both kids and therapists.
We also share practical ideas for reducing sensory overload, organizing therapy spaces with intention, making thoughtful product swaps, and creating an environment that helps children feel safe, regulated, and ready to learn.
Whether you're an OT, PT, SLP, educator, or clinic owner, this episode will leave you thinking differently about the spaces where we support children every day.
Thanks for listening 🩷 We'd love to hear from you! What's one small change you've made, or want to make, to create a calmer therapy environment?
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 Website 
https://harkla.co/ 
Harkla YouTube
​​https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily 
Harkla Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ 
Harkla Digital Courses
https://harkla.co/collections/courses
Force of Nature Cleaning Products
https://www.forceofnatureclean.com/

I know this might be a controversial opinion, but I don't think screens belong in preschool classrooms.
In this solo episode, I share what I've observed as a school-based occupational therapist and why I believe we've become too reliant on technology in early education. This isn't about being anti-screen or anti-teacher. It's about asking whether screens are replacing the hands-on, movement-rich experiences that young children actually need to develop.
I talk about SMART Boards, educational apps, handwriting, fine motor development, free play, and why movement, creativity, and real-world learning can't be replaced by a screen. I also share practical ideas for parents, therapists, and educators who want to reduce screen time without eliminating technology altogether.
At the end of the day, technology isn't the enemy, but development has to come first.
Thanks for listening 🩷 I'd love to hear your perspective. Do you think screens belong in preschool classrooms? Let me know on Instagram or in the comments!
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 Website 
https://harkla.co/ 
Harkla YouTube
​​https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily 
Harkla Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ 
Harkla Digital Courses
https://harkla.co/collections/courses

If you're writing goals for primitive reflex integration, this episode is for you.
In this episode, we break down one of the biggest mistakes therapists make when writing goals for primitive reflex integration and explain how to connect reflex work to meaningful, functional outcomes that matter to families, IEP teams, and insurance providers.
We discuss why reflex integration itself should never be the goal, how retained reflexes can impact skills like handwriting, attention, coordination, regulation, and participation, and how to write goals that focus on the real-life challenges a child is experiencing. We also share practical examples of how to connect primitive reflex interventions to functional outcomes that support independence and participation.
Whether you're an OT, COTA, PT, or therapist interested in reflex integration, this episode will help you think differently about goal writing, advocacy, and demonstrating the value of the services you provide.
Thanks for listening 🩷 If you work in pediatrics, we'd love to hear from you. What's one goal-writing tip that's helped you better advocate for the kids you support?
Links
We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 
Primitive Reflex Digital Course
https://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 Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ 
Harkla Digital Courses
https://harkla.co/collections/courses