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Today’s episode is all about YOU - answering questions from our Instagram fam! Topics included in this episode: the visual-vestibular-auditory triad; vision therapy in OT; how to measure progress; primitive reflexes; baby backpacks vs. wraps; tips for regression in school-aged children; sensory integration and trauma; how to assess if a toddler needs OT services; attention and sensory processing; emotional regulation; tips for nail and skin biting / picking; adults with disabilities.
Rachel and Jessica, the creative minds behind 'All Things Sensory', are passionate about engaging with their audience through social media. With an eagerness to answer any inquiries they may receive from listeners, they have noticed a commonality in these questions - so they decided to bring together answers for some of the most popular queries here!
Whether you’re a parent navigating sensory sensitivities at home or a pediatric occupational therapist seeking new insights, we hope these answers offer clarity, confidence, and next steps.
The visual, vestibular, and auditory systems are deeply intertwined—and together, they shape how we move, focus, and interact with the world.
Vestibular system: Tells us where we are in space and helps with balance.
Visual system: Coordinates with the vestibular system to help track movement and stay oriented.
Auditory system: Provides awareness and helps process the environment.
Example: Driving a car requires you to track visual information, balance your posture, and respond to sound cues—demonstrating how these systems must work together seamlessly.
Early developmental activities liketummy time,rocking,rolling, andcrawling are essential in strengthening these connections during infancy.
Yes! Even while pregnant, you can support your baby’s sensory development through natural movement.
Swaying on a yoga ball.
Gentle dancing or walking.
Rhythmic movements during rest.
Babies are used to constant motion in the womb—so continuing to offer movement after birth (via rocking, babywearing, etc.) helps ease their transition and supports early sensory integration.
Absolutely! We recommend twoAll Things Sensory podcast episodes:
Interview with Dr. Johnson, Vision Therapist – Learn how vision therapy can support motor and academic skills.
“Is It Vision or ADHD?” – Discover how vision issues can mimic attention challenges.
Usestandardized assessments with consistency.
Setdevelopmentally appropriate goals that can be tracked.
Observedaily changes both at home and during therapy.
OT Tip:Practice routines and take observational notes. Progress can be subtle at first—like improved focus or decreased meltdowns.
Both encourage natural movement and bonding, but baby wraps and soft carriers offer better support for infants, especially in early months.
Do:
Position hips properly to support development.
Face baby inward until they have neck control.
Vary how you carry your baby—arm, hip, or wrap for different vestibular input.
Carrying your baby instead of using a stroller promotes better sensory and motor development.
Regression is normal—and often a sign of growth. It may indicate that your child is:
Learning a new skill.
Overwhelmed by change or stress.
Craving new sensory input.
What to do:
Reassess your child’s environment.
Offer more support or structure.
Collaborate with your OT for fresh ideas.
Trauma can disrupt sensory processing, leading to:
Overreactivity to sounds, lights, or touch.
Sensory avoidance or shutdown.
Emotional dysregulation.
Occupational therapy can help by offering calming sensory input and strategies like:
Deep pressure.
Weighted tools.
Safe, predictable routines.
Remember:Trauma-informed care is essential to support regulation and healing.
Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it’s worth exploring. Consider an OT evaluation if your child:
Has strong sensory sensitivities.
Struggles with motor skills.
Has difficulty with self-care or transitions.
Shows emotional outbursts or poor attention.
Early intervention leads to better outcomes. A pediatric OT can develop a customized plan to support your child at home, school, and in the community.
Here’s how you can tell the difference:
A child with sensory processing issues will react strongly to sensory input (like a vacuum)every single time.
A child with ADHD may react once, but adjust to it after a few exposures.
Other factors to assess:
Visual processing: Can the child track and interpret what they see?
Auditory processing: Do they struggle with sound filtering or following instructions?
Always evaluate the full sensory picture before drawing conclusions.
When the sensory system is out of balance, it can impact how a child manages emotions. Sensory input can be:
Calming (deep pressure, rocking, soft textures).
Alerting (jumping, swinging, fast movement).
Use sensory-based strategies to support emotional regulation:
Calming input for overstimulation.
Alerting input for low arousal or energy.
These behaviors are often a form of tactile sensory seeking. Support your child by:
Providing tactile input:
Playdough or kinetic sand.
Textured fidgets.
Gardening or messy play.
Offering calming strategies:
Breathing exercises.
Hand massage.
Sensory bins.
Also consider environmental triggers—does the behavior happen when your child is anxious or overstimulated?
While Harkla specializes in pediatric care, these tips can help support adults:
Set realistic goals and provide frequent encouragement.
Adjust support based on employment, living needs, or social goals.
Connect with local resources: Job training, sensory spaces, or adult support groups.
Supporting adults begins with the same foundation: empathy, consistency, and empowerment.
If this Q&A blog was helpful, and you have any lingering questions or comments that our team can answer for you, please do not hesitate to reach out. You can send these queries directly to us through email at TheSensoryProjectShow208@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you!
BORING, BUT NECESSARY LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
While we make every effort to share correct information, we are still learning. We will double check all of our facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views and opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties and what we have found to be beneficial that will be as evidenced based as possible. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or your children. Consult your child’s pediatrician/ therapist for any medical issues that he or she may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Rachel Harrington, Harkla, Jessica Hill, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, as well as any employees, associates, or affiliates of Harkla, be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.
Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
This podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast.
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