A Child's Path To A Sense of Belonging

All photographs by Jackie Paiva

Otto has been my constant companion on this wild parenthood adventure. He’s unique, sensitive, reserved for good reason, kind, brave, and full of surprises. I started Ocean State Kids with him in mind, building a community of families who share a passion for outdoor education. Watching him grow within this connected circle has been one of my greatest joys.

In November 2024, as we approached the end of our first full year with Ocean State Kids, we noticed Otto was experiencing some developmental challenges. While this wasn’t necessarily negative, it marked the start of a new journey for our family. Otto is a Gestalt Language Processor (GLP), meaning he learns language uniquely. As I learned more about his needs, I realized the current Ocean State Kids environment wasn’t the best fit for him. The routine that worked for others became a source of stress and dysregulation for him, prompting the difficult decision to step away from leadership to support his confidence and growth.

Stepping back brought sadness—Ocean State Kids had become my cherished community—but it was the right choice for Otto and our family. Leaving leadership gave us flexibility to adapt our schedule to his needs and explore other outdoor activities better aligned with his sensory-seeking nature. Otto continues to inspire me daily, shaping an entirely new vision for Ocean State Kids.

As I educated myself about Otto’s developmental needs, supported by an incredible Speech-Language Pathologist (whom you’ll soon meet), I realized that everything we were doing together was exceptional—even brilliant, especially since some activities were entirely conceived by a three-year-old! These included studying and visiting wind turbines, finding Rhode Island’s biggest and fastest slides, touring local airports, building larger-than-life marble runs, tickle fights, and notably, large-scale painting—I’ll share more about this shortly.

Although I stepped down from leadership, Otto continued attending OSK programs, with the flexibility to leave at the first sign of stress, which occurred regularly. However, recently something changed. Initially, I wanted to write “magic happened,” but it wasn’t magic—it was genuine growth.

Integrating Otto back into Ocean State Kids is something I want (selfishly)—not because I founded it, but because the entire community is crucial to my own well-being. That’s when a realization struck: research suggests neurodiverse children benefit significantly from inclusive environments that encourage activities aligned with their interests (www.thriveworks.com). How would Otto respond if Ocean State Kids' daily activities were tailored specifically to his delight?

I had to test this theory.

Recently, the Little Tweets group arrived on campus at the Norman Bird Sanctuary, unaware they were entering “Otto’s World.” Parents were forewarned to dress their children for an extraordinary mess, hinting at a painting activity, but not the scale involved.

In Otto’s World, painting is large-scale, conducted on 12-foot canvas dropcloths, and brushes are optional. This expressive form of art uses squirt bottles, eight gallons of paint, and hands and feet. It demands movement, satisfies sensory needs, and encourages creative expression. It’s genius—not simply because Otto is my son, but because every child present genuinely enjoyed it, regardless of their abilities.

The truth? 

It was the first time in 18 months Otto unmistakably felt a sense of belonging. He showed no signs of stress or dysregulation. He left my side as if I weren’t there, socialized effortlessly, initiated play with peers, and HE SPOKE! (Pausing to let a joyful tear pass.) My sensitive, reserved boy transformed into a vibrant firecracker, exploding with happiness. Everyone around him affirmed his interests and celebrated his unique world. For the first time, he felt seen, loved, and deeply connected.

The best part? 

Every child there shared the joy.

Surprisingly, we were the last to leave that day. As families departed, the prevailing farewell was, “That was the best day ever.” Later, I received a text message: “Today was truly the best day. I had multiple moments of pure gratitude for my children, the community, and the entire day. What you've created is absolutely incredible and a thousand times better than I could have imagined. Thank you for making Wednesdays our favorite day!” Chills and profound fulfillment filled my heart. This day held deeper meaning.

Community heals the soul; it heals our children. Mental health isn't about achieving 'normalcy'—it's deeply tied to connection and belonging. For the first time, I've found that connection not just for myself, but also for Otto.

A New Mission for Ocean State Kids

Ocean State Kids is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving all young developing children, regardless of their abilities. Through neurodiversity-affirming outdoor experiences, we offer strength- and interest-based support enriched by high-sensory activities and exploration. Our mission empowers parents to become their child's strongest advocate and most influential teacher, enabling children to grow into their authentic selves.

We're committed to protecting childhood at all costs, meeting children’s needs by emphasizing their strengths, social-emotional learning, and nurturing genuine belonging. During our programs, children always know they're respected, valued, and deeply loved.

We equip parents with tools and resources to consciously connect with their families, focusing on children’s strengths over deficits. By setting this example, we foster a generation of resilient individuals who embrace and support the beautiful uniqueness of everyone.

We firmly believe children learn best through the freedom to pursue their interests within inclusive, supportive environments. By nurturing each child's strengths outdoors, we ignite their innate curiosity and passion, helping raise truly incredible humans.

How You Can Support This Vision

This summer, Ocean State Kids launches WILD by Design—an outdoor program designed for the wild, wiggly, and wonderfully curious! Completely outdoors (rain or shine), sessions are packed with sensory-rich play, movement-based learning, and hands-on exploration, empowering all children to grow naturally. From splashing at Sandy Point Beach to adventuring at Glen Farm, kids will dig, climb, slime, run, jump, and create while building confidence, social-emotional intelligence, and a deep sense of belonging.

This pilot program supports an even greater vision, and we're actively fundraising. You're seeing this information first, with benefits specifically for your family. Family-owned businesses interested in supporting the new Ocean State Kids mission can find details in our informational PDF here.

• Families becoming Roots or Wave Sponsors gain guaranteed enrollment in Ocean State Kids for the next 12 months, with waived yearly membership fees and additional business sponsor benefits.

  
  

• Families becoming Growth or Wild Wonder Sponsors gain guaranteed enrollment in the WILD by Design summer program, waived seasonal membership fees, and additional business sponsor benefits.

If this sparks something within you, and your family-run business is able to support Ocean State Kids, it would be my honor. Together, let's nurture a community where children can authentically grow into who they naturally are.

Visit our Online Donation Center here.

Thank you for reading and supporting this WILD mission, it’s by design :)