logo
episode-header-image
Mar 2025
17m 59s

#351 - The Power of Play: Primitive Refl...

Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, AC & Jessica Hill, COTA/L
About this episode

We are beyond excited to introduce Harkla’s newest sensory tool—the Sensory Dice! These simple yet powerful dice are designed to make sensory and primitive reflex integration fun, engaging, and effective.

In this episode, we dive into how sensory integration and primitive reflex integration are deeply connected—when you work on one, you naturally support the other! We’ll break down how each of the three Sensory Dice categories (Alerting, Calming, and Focus) can help integrate retained primitive reflexes through movement and sensory-based activities.

We’ll also share specific activities from each dice that target common retained primitive reflexes, such as the Moro, STNR, ATNR, TLR, Palmar Grasp, and more! From yoga flows and windmills to wall push-ups and animal walks, these activities are simple yet effective for supporting nervous system development.

LINKS

Harkla Sensory Activity Dice

Primitive Reflex Digital Course

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 

Harkla YouTube Channel

Harkla Website - Shop Sensory Products!

Harkla Instagram

What are Primitive Reflexes? 

Up next
Oct 8
#381 - The Truth About the Moro & Fear Paralysis Reflexes: Why Progress Feels Stuck
“I’ve been doing the Moro and FPR exercises for three months but haven’t seen any positive results. Why?”This is a common question we hear from parents, therapists, and caregivers working on primitive reflex integration—especially with the Moro Reflex and Fear Paralysis Reflex (F ... Show More
18m 45s
Oct 1
#380 - 7 Everyday Signs Your Child’s Primitive Reflexes Aren’t Integrated
In this episode, we explore how to track progress beyond reflex testing by looking at functional, everyday signs of improvement. Reflex tests are important, but they don’t always tell the whole story. Sometimes a child may have several retained reflexes, but those reflexes don’t ... Show More
23m 50s
Sep 24
#379 - There’s No Right Way to Play: Supporting Autistic & Sensory-Seeking Kids
NEW Motor Skills Digital Course is LIVE! https://harkla.co/products/motor-skills-coursePlay is a child’s main occupation — it’s how they learn, grow, and develop critical skills like sequencing, executive functioning, and social interaction. But what happens when a child doesn’t ... Show More
15m 37s
Recommended Episodes
Feb 2024
Why Does Pretend Play Matter? - Explore Its Impact on Your Toddler's Language Growth
Pretend play is the ultimate brain builder. It's the magic potion that sparks language, supercharges social skills, and boosts emotional intelligence. The 3 top benefits of pretend play.Language Leaps:Pretend play acts as a secret language workshop for your little one.  As t ... Show More
1h 13m
Nov 2019
Introducing Curious Neuron
Send us a textThe Curious Neuron podcast is an extension of our website. We provide science-backed information related to child development and education. Search for a past podcast episode or guest: https://curiousneuron.com/podcast/ Want to join The Reflective Parent Club? If yo ... Show More
1m 15s
Nov 2024
Is Your Child’s Whinnying Driving You Crazy?
EP:117 Hey there! 👋 In this episode, I’m diving into a topic I know so many of us can relate to: why certain noises—like our kids’ whining—feel SO triggering. I share my personal experience with my colicky, high-needs son, Charlie, and unpack the science behind why those infant ... Show More
23m 38s
Sep 9
The 7 Stages of Play: Building Your Child’s Brain from Birth to Age 3 Ep 120
Send us a textMost parents think play begins with dolls and pretend kitchens — but the earliest stages of play start long before that… and missing them could mean missing crucial communication growth.From nibbling on their fists, to peekaboo and pretend play -- your child’s first ... Show More
31m 15s
Feb 2023
How We Touch
How do we feel with our fingertips? What parts of the brain integrate the complexities of touch? And how are scientists creating prosthetics that give feeling back to amputees? In this episode of How We’re Wired, join evolutionary anthropologist Dr Anna Machin as she unpicks the ... Show More
32m 49s
Jun 2024
2192: Panic Attacks - 11 Tips to Flip the Switch by Rachel Shanken of MindBodyWise on Anxiety Relief
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.Episode 2192:Rachel Shanken of MindBodyWise.com offers practical tips to manage panic attacks, emphasizing the importance of breathi ... Show More
11m 24s
Sep 9
The Hidden Connections Between Movement and Mental Strength You Need To Know
Freedom doesn’t arrive when you finally “figure it all out”—it arrives the moment you move.We’ve built mental walls around the idea that creativity is genetic and strength is inherited. But imagine a world where every step, stretch, or stumble is a tiny act of liberation, welding ... Show More
30m 30s
Feb 2023
176. ASMR Cranial Nerve Exam 👩🏾‍⚕️ Medical Doctor Roleplay (whispered, layered sounds)
✨ASMR Triggers in today's Podcast: 🦋00:00 - check in & questions 🦋04:00 - eye test 🦋11:50 - touch test 🦋15:06 - ear cleaning 🦋18:16 - hearing test 🦋23:13 - smell test 🦋26:00 - taste test 🦋29:03 - test results & debrief 🎧Headphones/earbuds are highly recommended to ensure ... Show More
31m 50s
Aug 18
Are You Triggered? Help For Empathic Overthinkers to Recognize and Respond Appropriately to Triggers
Tired of trying to think your way out of overthinking?Let me show you what actually works—in less than 30 minutes.Get immediate access to a free class now.Ever walked away from a moment with your kid, partner, or parent thinking, “Why did I just lose it like that?”In this short t ... Show More
6m 12s
Sep 2
Why Your Baby or Toddler’s Brain Needs THIS: The First Years Explained Ep 119
Send us a textYour child’s brain isn’t finished at birth — it’s built day by day, through you.Whether you have a baby or a toddler, this episode will help you understand the “why” behind sleep struggles, sensitivities, and attention challenges — and remind you that brains are bui ... Show More
24m 48s