Episodes

  • #367 - Auditory Processing vs. Attention Issues: How to Tell the Difference with Debbie Baerlocher
    Jul 2 2025

    In this episode, we sit down with pediatric audiologist Debbie Baerlocher to unpack the real truth about Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)—what it is, what it’s not, and why it’s often misunderstood. Learn how APD is diagnosed, when to seek help, and why many children show similar symptoms without actually having APD.

    Debbie has her Doctorate in Audiology and has been working at Elks Hearing and Balance, aka St. Luke's Hearing and Balance, in Boise, Idaho since she moved to the Treasure Valley just about 25 years ago.

    By the end of this episode you’ll learn:

    - What a true APD diagnosis involves

    - Why symptom lists can be misleading

    - When hearing loss, ADHD, or anxiety might be the real cause

    - What parents can do right now to help

    Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or therapist, this episode offers clarity, empathy, and expert advice you won’t want to miss.

    LINKS

    https://www.hearingfirst.org/

    https://www.readingrockets.org/

    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/

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    50 mins
  • #366 - What Your Dentist Won’t Tell You: A Functional Approach to Oral Health with Dr. Craig Clayton
    Jun 25 2025

    Dr. Craig D. Clayton is a functional and biomimetic dentist based in Meridian, Idaho, and an influential online educator with a following of over 380K on Instagram. Passionate about uncovering the root causes of oral health issues, Dr. Clayton focuses on holistic cavity prevention, airway health, and innovative, biologically sound approaches to restoring teeth. As the host of the Dentistry Disrupted podcast, he is on a mission to shift the dental industry toward a more patient-centered, root-cause-focused approach. Through educating and empowering patients, he hopes to bridge the gap between oral health and overall well-being.


    Follow Dr. Clayton on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/restoration.dentistry

    More information

    https://restorationdentistryid.com/

    Free resources

    https://stan.store/restorationdentistry

    Listen to Dr. Clayton’s Podcast - Dentistry Disrupted

    https://open.spotify.com/show/37YIyN9xGxzvT5MkuH9GOD?si=JNrtjoisToSEU80e1asRQw

    Elementa Toothpaste

    https://elementasilver.com/

    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/

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    1 hr
  • #365 - What Pregnancy & Birth Can Tell Us About Retained Reflexes
    Jun 18 2025

    Shop our Summer Sensory SALE! https://harkla.co/pages/summer-sensory-sale-2025

    Free Primitive Reflex Webinar

    https://harkla.co/pages/register-for-the-primitive-reflex-webinar-2025

    Free Sensory Diet Webinar

    https://harkla.co/pages/sensory-diet-webinar-registration-2024

    We’re diving deep into the why behind retained primitive reflexes. These early movement patterns are essential in infancy—but when they don’t integrate properly, they can lead to challenges with regulation, development, and everyday functioning.

    We cover some of the most common causes of retained reflexes, including:

    • Neurological immaturity

    • Birth trauma or complications during delivery

    • Lack of early movement (think: limited tummy time or crawling)

    • Environmental stressors during pregnancy

    • Prematurity and other perinatal factors

    • Genetic predispositions

    We also highlight insights from Sally Goddard Blythe’s work on neuromotor immaturity and how these retained reflexes can show up in both kids and adults.

    We also respond to a thoughtful question from a literacy coach about a 5-year-old with ADHD. We explore possible sensory and neurological factors at play—and share ideas for supporting regulation and integration through movement.

    This is a must-listen for parents, therapists, and educators who want to better understand the foundational role of reflexes in child development.

    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/

    Neuromotor Immaturity in Children and Adults by Sally Goddard Blyth

    https://a.co/d/dlX4KGI

    Freebies - Free Sensory Checklist

    https://harkla.co/pages/freebies?_pos=1&_sid=af3b45f36&_ss=r

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    24 mins
  • #364 - 10 Sensory Activities to Support Regulation During the Summer
    Jun 11 2025

    Shop our Summer Sensory SALE! https://harkla.co/pages/summer-sensory-sale-2025

    Free Primitive Reflex Webinar https://harkla.co/pages/register-for-the-primitive-reflex-webinar-2025

    Summer can bring a lot of fun — and a lot of sensory dysregulation. In this episode, we’re sharing 10 activity ideas to help your child stay regulated during the warmer months. From water play and outdoor obstacle courses to sensory-friendly picnics and consistent routines, these ideas are designed to support sensory processing, connection, and fun for the whole family.

    We also answer a thoughtful listener question about tongue proprioception and how to support oral awareness in a child navigating speech sound production, balance challenges, toe-walking, and a history of a frenectomy.

    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/

    Water Balloons - Bunch O Balloons

    https://a.co/d/0jkzuSH

    Oral Motor Super Duper Deck

    https://a.co/d/40Jclqd

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    20 mins
  • #363 - Sensory Smart Summer: Interoception Tips and Tools That Work
    Jun 4 2025

    Summer is here—and with the heat, play, and sunshine comes a unique challenge for kids (and adults!) who struggle with interoception. In this episode, we explore what interoception is and why it’s so important to pay attention during the summer months. We discuss how challenges like dehydration, overheating, and sun sensitivity can affect children with sensory needs and how parents and caregivers can better support them through practical strategies, products, and daily routines.

    We also share actionable tips for boosting interoceptive awareness, from mindfulness exercises to hydration reminders, and highlight summer-friendly tools like cooling vests, splash pads, and visual schedules.

    PLUS—we answer a thoughtful listener question about managing sensory seeking behaviors at home after school, and offer guidance for making sensory play more structured and less overwhelming.

    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/

    The Interoception Curriculum by Kelly Mahler

    https://www.kelly-mahler.com/product/the-interoception-curriculum-a-step-bystep-guide-to-developing-mindful-self-regulation/

    Sensational Brain: The Interoceptive Sensory System

    https://sensationalbrain.com/product/interoceptive-sensory-system/

    Beyond Behaviors (Amazon)

    https://a.co/d/ft3dFmF

    Sensory Explorers

    https://www.sensoryexplorers.com/

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    29 mins
  • #362 - Supporting Sensory Development Before Birth
    May 28 2025

    Register for our FREE live webinar on June 4, 2025 https://harkla.co/pages/summer-sensory-diet-webinar-registration-2025

    In 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.

    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/

    Research: Incidence of pre-, peri-, and post-natal birth and developmental problems of children with sensory processing disorder and children with autism spectrum disorder

    https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/integrative-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/neuro.07.031.2009/full

    Research: Association between cesarean section and sensory integration dysfunction in preschool children: a prospective cohort study

    https://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 Study

    https://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 Disorder

    https://www.walshmedicalmedia.com/open-access/the-prenatal-and-perinatal-risk-variables-of-the-sensory-processing-disorder-2090-7214-1000286.pdf

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    31 mins
  • #361 - Helping Babies Thrive: Infant Development with Angela Fritz, PT, DPT, PCS
    May 21 2025

    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 NICU

    • Tummy time and developmental milestone tips for infants (including NICU grads)

    • The importance of positioning for development

    • Primitive reflexes and how they influence early movement

    • Practical advice for parents and caregivers

    Whether 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!

    LINKS

    Visit Angela’s Website - https://www.bebe-pt.com/services

    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/

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    57 mins
  • #360 - Beyond Words: Supporting Communication Through Connection and Play with Lori Benson Adams
    May 14 2025

    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.

    LINKS

    Visit Lori's website

    https://loribensonadams.com/

    Lori on Sensational Brain

    https://sensationalbrain.com/ceu/on-demand-webinars/?_speaker=lori-benson-adams-med
    DIRFloortime

    https://www.icdl.com/dir

    Dyslexia with Lori Benson Adams

    https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/179-what-is-dyslexia?_pos=2&_sid=89fa10f07&_ss=r

    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/playlists

    Harkla Instagram

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

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    45 mins