#362 - Supporting Sensory Development Before Birth
Register for our FREE live webinar on June 4, 2025 https://harkla.co/pages/summer-sensory-diet-webinar-registration-2025In this episode of the All Things Sensory Podcast, we explore how a baby’s sensory and nervous systems begin developing long before birth — and how expectant parents can actively support this critical growth during pregnancy.From taste and touch to vestibular and proprioceptive systems, you'll learn when each sensory system starts forming in the womb and what factors influence healthy development. We also highlight practical, evidence-based strategies for optimizing your baby’s neurological health through nutrition, movement, stress management, and mindful prenatal care.Plus, we dive into fascinating research connecting prenatal experiences — like maternal stress, illnesses, medications, and even birth methods — to the likelihood of sensory processing difficulties later in childhood.Whether you’re expecting or supporting someone who is, this episode empowers you with tools and insights to lay a strong sensory foundation for your baby’s future.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/HarklaFamilyHarkla Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/Research: Incidence of pre-, peri-, and post-natal birth and developmental problems of children with sensory processing disorder and children with autism spectrum disorderhttps://www.frontiersin.org/journals/integrative-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/neuro.07.031.2009/fullResearch: Association between cesarean section and sensory integration dysfunction in preschool children: a prospective cohort studyhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34511164/Research: The Occurrence of the Sensory Processing Disorder in Children Depending on the Type and Time of Delivery: A Pilot Studyhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35682475/#:~:text=Descriptive%20results%20and%20percentage%20calculations%20were%20compared.,those%20delivered%20on%20time%20by%20vaginal%20birth.Research: The Prenatal and Perinatal Risk Variables of the Sensory Processing Disorderhttps://www.walshmedicalmedia.com/open-access/the-prenatal-and-perinatal-risk-variables-of-the-sensory-processing-disorder-2090-7214-1000286.pdf
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#361 - Helping Babies Thrive: Infant Development with Angela Fritz, PT, DPT, PCS
In this episode, we sit down with Angela Fritz, a board-certified pediatric physical therapist with a passion for infant development. Angela brings her expertise working in the NICU and shares valuable insights on supporting babies from the very beginning—especially those who’ve spent time in the NICU.We dive into:The role of physical therapy in the NICUTummy time and developmental milestone tips for infants (including NICU grads)The importance of positioning for developmentPrimitive reflexes and how they influence early movementPractical advice for parents and caregiversWhether you're a therapist, parent, or caregiver, you'll come away with actionable tips and a deeper understanding of the early building blocks of development.Angela Fritz, PT, DPT, PCS is a board-certified pediatric physical therapist who specializes in infant development. She received her doctorate degree in physical therapy (DPT) from the University of Washington (Go Dawgs!) and has worked with infants and children ever since! Angela just recently moved to Boise, ID and works in the NICU and NICU follow up at St Luke’s Children’s Hospital, but was trained in neonatal therapy at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Though her passion lies with infants, Angela has experience working with children 0-18 years of age. She is passionate about celebrating the unique spark in each and every baby, and believes that empowering parents to advocate for, engage with, and support their baby is the best way to foster lifelong success. Angela was also born with hearing loss and is passionate about disability awareness, inclusion, and justice and making healthcare more accessible for all!LINKSVisit Angela’s Website - https://www.bebe-pt.com/servicesWe’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/
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#360 - Beyond Words: Supporting Communication Through Connection and Play with Lori Benson Adams
In this episode, we sit down with Lori Benson Adams, M.Ed., Educational Intervention Specialist and founder of Breakthrough Learning Solutions, to explore the heart of DIRFloortime. We dive into the power of connection, the role of play-based therapy, and how honoring all forms of communication can transform the way we support children. Whether you're a parent or professional, this conversation will leave you inspired to lead with curiosity, connection, and compassion.Lori Benson Adams, M.Ed Educational Intervention Specialist, is the owner of Breakthrough Learning Solutions, a private practice providing direct support to families and children, as well as professional development opportunities to private and school based professionals nationwide.LINKSVisit Lori's websitehttps://loribensonadams.com/Lori on Sensational Brainhttps://sensationalbrain.com/ceu/on-demand-webinars/?_speaker=lori-benson-adams-medDIRFloortimehttps://www.icdl.com/dirDyslexia with Lori Benson Adamshttps://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/179-what-is-dyslexia?_pos=2&_sid=89fa10f07&_ss=rWe’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/playlistsHarkla Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/
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#359 - Supporting Communication in a Neurodiverse World with Amy Whelan, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Welcome Amy Whelan, a pediatric speech-language pathologist, Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) specialist, and passionate AAC advocate. Amy brings her deep expertise and compassionate approach to early childhood communication, guiding us through the world of gestalt language processing, child-led therapy, and neurodiversity-affirming practices.Amy Whelan, Ph.D., CCC-SLP has worked with young children at-risk for speech and language delays and their families her entire career. Movement and play are her favorite ways to encourage regulation, connection, engagement, and communication. She believes in the power of YET to give hope to what is to come and foster positive, empowered, resilient children. Always learning, Amy has specialized training in family-centered therapy, early intervention and preschool-based therapy, Natural Language Acquisition and gestalt language processors, as well as neurodiversity affirming goal writing and therapy practices.LINKSFollow Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/twojillsandajack/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/@HarklaFamily/videosHarkla Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/
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#358 - Our Must-Have Sensory Tools for Autistic Children
In this episode, we’re diving into our all-time favorite sensory tools to support autistic children. Whether you're a parent, therapist, or educator, these go-to items can help create a more regulated and sensory-friendly environment!We’ll share why tools like noise-canceling headphones, a sensory corner, weighted items, Ark Therapeutic chewy toys, tunnels, crash pads, sour spray, and more—including fun products like the Bilibo chair and The Jungle Crawl book—can make such a big impact in your sensory toolbox.Plus we’ll answer two questions!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 YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily/playlistsHarkla Website - Shop Sensory Products!https://harkla.co/Harkla Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/The Listening Program https://advancedbrain.com/Build a Sensory Cornerhttps://youtu.be/S-1EtUHJOGo?si=6Lhw682STyGzoYhbShop Harkla Weighted Products https://harkla.co/collections/focusARK Therapeutics - Oral Chew Tools https://www.arktherapeutic.com/oral-motor-chewing-tools/Buzz Buddyhttps://specialsupplies.com/products/special-supplies-buzz-buddy-oral-stimulation-toys-with-6-soft-textured-interchangeable-heads-calm-sensory-needs-support-speech-and-stimulate-self-feeding-gentle-vibrations?srsltid=AfmBOorPLcRF7y8KLdPFtqCmnGH5_Nhe8UccZwG8ugFu5Fvi3PlbtvbDThe Jungle Crawlhttps://sensationalbrain.com/product/pre-order-the-jungle-crawl-interactive-childrens-book/Bilibo Chair https://www.moluk.com/bilibo.phpBubble Tube https://www.playlearn.com/sensory-room-equipment/sensory-lights/bubble-tube?srsltid=AfmBOorohmDQt9aPWdjKAssvn-ZWgrh0o803UJUuzoHzJ70v4hXhbGPkWhisper Phonehttps://whisperphone.com/collections/all-products
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.
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