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.

LINKS

Follow Amy on Instagram

https://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 YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@HarklaFamily/videos

Harkla Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/

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!

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 YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily/playlists

Harkla Website - Shop Sensory Products!

https://harkla.co/

Harkla Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/

The Listening Program

https://advancedbrain.com/

Build a Sensory Corner

https://youtu.be/S-1EtUHJOGo?si=6Lhw682STyGzoYhb

Shop Harkla Weighted Products

https://harkla.co/collections/focus

ARK Therapeutics - Oral Chew Tools

https://www.arktherapeutic.com/oral-motor-chewing-tools/

Buzz Buddy

https://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_Nhe8UccZwG8ugFu5Fvi3PlbtvbD

The Jungle Crawl

https://sensationalbrain.com/product/pre-order-the-jungle-crawl-interactive-childrens-book/

Bilibo Chair

https://www.moluk.com/bilibo.php

Bubble Tube

https://www.playlearn.com/sensory-room-equipment/sensory-lights/bubble-tube?srsltid=AfmBOorohmDQt9aPWdjKAssvn-ZWgrh0o803UJUuzoHzJ70v4hXhbGPk

Whisper Phone

https://whisperphone.com/collections/all-products

Shop our Autism Acceptance Month Sale! https://harkla.co/pages/aam-sale

What really makes a great occupational therapy practitioner? In today’s episode, we’re diving into the key qualities that set exceptional OTs apart—beyond just clinical skills.

We’ll chat about:

• The importance of lifelong learning and continuing education

• Why collaboration with other professionals is a game-changer

• How building rapport with a wide variety of clients and families is a must

• The value of teaching and sharing your knowledge

• And why sometimes, doing less can actually mean more in this profession

Plus, we wrap up the episode by answering a fantastic listener question: “How do you integrate reflex work in a school setting when there’s no carryover?” We share some practical tips and strategies to help support reflex integration even with limited consistency.

Whether you're a seasoned OT or just starting out, this episode will leave you feeling inspired and empowered to grow in your practice.

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 YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@HarklaFamily

Harkla Website - Shop Sensory Products!

https://harkla.co/

Harkla Instagram