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Little Wins, Big Confidence. The Power of Occupational Therapy.

Allyson Basse, MSOT, OTR, Occupational Therapist  
April 23, 2026

Kids are always learning through play, movement, and everyday routines. But when small tasks start to feel big, it can impact a child’s confidence and a family’s daily routine. 

That’s where Occupational Therapy (OT) can help. 

At CommUnityCare Health Centers, occupational therapists support children in building the skills they need to take on everyday tasks with confidence, at home, at school, and out and about in the community. From infancy through young adulthood, our teams develop individualized treatment plans to target deficits and overcome challenges to help children grow and thrive.  

April is Occupational Therapy Month, a time to recognize the important role these everyday skills play in helping children thrive. 

Does my child need Occupational Therapy? 

Every child develops at their own pace. But if daily routines feel harder than they should, extra support can make a big difference. Occupational Therapy (OT) benefits children who struggle with the skills and confidence that they need to be independent in everyday life.  

Challenges may include:  

  • Fine Motor Skills: zipping their jacket, holding a pencil/markers, or using utensils  
  • Gross Motor Skills: climbing on the playground, coordination going up stairs, or keeping up with daily routines such as bathing 
  • Processing Sensory Input: over or under responding to sounds, textures, movement, light, or clothing 
  • Executive Function Skills: managing emotions, problem-solving, or organizing thoughts 
  • Visual Motor Integration: putting together puzzles, using scissors, or playing catch 
  • Daily Self-Care Tasks: brushing teeth, getting dressed, or using the toilet  
  • Handwriting: forming letters, writing clearly, or finishing schoolwork  
  • Attention and Focus Abilities: managing distractions at school, following directions (like set the table), or ability to move from one activity to the next 

If some of these challenges sound familiar, you’re not alone. Many families have similar concerns, and support is available. 

Pictured: Seven-year-old Navaeh Mondragon throws and catches a balloon during her occupational therapy visit with Crystal Wagner, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant.

Pictured: Navaeh practices her fine motor skills by using utensils to cut Play-Doh during her OT session at the CommUnityCare Carousel Pediatrics Springdale Clinic.

Everyday Activities That Support Your Child’s Development 

If your child seems to have lots of energy or is always on the move, “heavy work” activities can help them feel calmer and more focused. Heavy work uses your child’s muscles and joints to help their body feel more organized and aware of where they are in their surrounding space. 

The best part? You can build it into your everyday routine, no special equipment needed. 

Try a few of these “heavy work” activities at home: 

  • Push or pull a laundry basket or wagon  
  • Carry couch cushions to build a fort or obstacle course  
  • Drink a thick smoothie through a straw 
  • Blow bubbles in the bath  
  • Scoop and pour rice, beans, or sand in a sensory bin  
  • Rip cardboard or hole punch paper to make confetti 
  • Help water plants at home or in a community garden  
  • Join a free hands-on kids workshop at a local store (ex. Home Depot) 
  • Climb, jump, and play at your neighborhood park (ex. Alliance Children’s Garden) 

Navaeh’s Story: How Occupational Therapy Is Helping Her Thrive 

Inside the CommUnityCare Carousel Springdale Pediatrics Clinic, seven-year-old Navaeh Mondragon works through a series of small but meaningful movements with her occupational therapy care team. Each stretch, each attempt, each moment of focus represents progress, progress that is building her confidence and helping her navigate everyday life. 

For her mother, Maria Magdalena Mondragon, those moments mean everything. 

“From the very first day she was born, she has been a Carousel Pediatrics patient. They have always taken wonderful care of us. They care about Navaeh very much,” said Maria Mondragon. “She already knows where to go, she knows which room to go to. She feels at home here.” 

Like many parents, Maria wants her daughter to grow with independence and confidence. At a very young age, she noticed Navaeh was experiencing developmental delays, tasks that required extra patience, guidance, and support. Navaeh was later diagnosed with autism. Seeking answers and support, Maria turned to her CommUnityCare pediatric care team, who connected Navaeh to a range of therapy services, including occupational, physical, and speech therapy. 

Through occupational therapy, Navaeh is developing essential skills for daily life, strengthening coordination, improving mobility, and building the confidence to engage more fully with the world around her. 

Maria sees that impact every day. 

“It has helped her so much. It has helped her tremendously with socialization. When she started, she couldn’t be around anyone in a public setting. Because of her autism, she didn’t want to be in public. She cried a lot,” Maria shared. “But she has made so many advancements. I can take her to stores and to the park now. She socializes more with other kids. She wants to try new food. Before, her food options were very limited. She also recognizes shapes and colors now.” 

Little by little, Navaeh is gaining new abilities. The changes may seem small to others, but to her family, they represent meaningful milestones, signs of growth, resilience, and possibility. 

Equally important is the support Maria receives as a parent. Providers take time to explain what Navaeh is working on, answer questions, and ensure Maria feels confident continuing that support at home. 

“I am very happy with all the services they have provided for my daughter and me. We are treated very well. My experience has been phenomenal,” Maria said. 

Pictured: Navaeh practices daily self-care exercises by brushing her hair during her OT session.

Pictured: Navaeh practices identifying and expressing emotions during her OT session.

You Don’t Have to Figure It Out Alone 

If any of these struggles sound familiar, the CommUnityCare Occupational Therapy team is available to help! The dedicated team is here to support your family every step of the way. If you are experiencing any concerns, speak to your pediatrician today and request an evaluation with one of our passionate occupational therapists. We can’t wait to help your child build skills, confidence, and independence over time.