Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, and that’s the mission driving Pediatrics Plus every day. During this week’s Open Mic program with ArkansasRadio.com, Beth Younge, Senior Director of the Searcy Farm at Pediatrics Plus, and parent Zach Neal shared inspiring stories about how the organization’s innovative therapy programs are helping children overcome challenges while giving families hope, confidence and lifelong support.
Founded in 2002, Pediatrics Plus has grown into one of Arkansas’ leading providers of pediatric therapy services, offering occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language therapy and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy under one roof. Today, the organization serves thousands of children and families across Arkansas while continually expanding programs designed to meet each child’s unique needs.
Younge explained that the organization’s philosophy centers on “play with a purpose,” ensuring children develop skills that extend far beyond the therapy room.
Rather than simply improving performance during scheduled therapy sessions, Pediatrics Plus focuses on helping children transfer those skills into everyday life at home, in school and throughout their communities.
“Our big focus is play with a purpose and really getting that functional therapy for those kids to transfer skills from the learning environment and therapy environment to everyday life,” Younge said.
Helping Children Achieve Life-Changing Milestones
Throughout the interview, Younge shared stories demonstrating why the work performed by Pediatrics Plus therapists is so meaningful.
One of the most memorable examples involved a child who struggled with emotional regulation and frequently experienced behavioral escalations when becoming overwhelmed.
After months of therapy, the child independently recognized those feelings before reaching a crisis point.
Instead of waiting for an adult to intervene, he calmly asked for a break, stepped away from the situation and successfully regulated his emotions.
For therapists and parents alike, it represented far more than a simple request.
It was proof that the child had developed skills that would serve him throughout his life.
“It showed that what we’re doing is working,” Younge said.
She explained that these seemingly small victories often become some of the biggest milestones families celebrate.
A Parent’s Perspective
Parent Zach Neal offered a powerful and emotional perspective, describing how Pediatrics Plus has transformed life for his family.
He recalled taking his child to a busy restaurant where the noise and activity became overwhelming.
Instead of experiencing a meltdown, his child calmly communicated that he needed a break and asked to sit quietly in the car for a few minutes.
For Neal, that moment represented years of progress.
It showed his child had learned to recognize emotions, communicate effectively and apply coping strategies developed during therapy.
Those are the victories parents treasure most.
Neal also praised the relationship Pediatrics Plus builds with families.
Rather than simply treating children during appointments, therapists partner with parents, providing education, encouragement and practical tools families continue using every day at home.
He said that partnership has made an enormous difference in their lives.
A One-of-a-Kind Therapy Farm
One of the most unique features of Pediatrics Plus is its innovative therapy farm in Searcy.
Instead of limiting therapy to a traditional clinical setting, children receive therapy through meaningful hands-on experiences on a working farm specifically designed to encourage learning through play and exploration.
The therapy farm includes:
- Barns
- Chicken coops
- Greenhouse
- Sensory gardens
- High- and low-stimulation sensory gyms
- Farm animals
Children gather eggs, interact with animals, explore gardens and participate in outdoor activities while therapists naturally incorporate speech, occupational, physical and behavioral therapy into every experience.
Younge said the environment helps children strengthen communication skills, improve motor development, build confidence and increase social interaction in a setting that feels exciting rather than intimidating.
The goal is simple: make therapy enjoyable while preparing children for success in everyday life.
Early Intervention Makes a Difference
Younge encouraged parents not to wait if they have concerns about their child’s development.
She emphasized that families can begin the referral process themselves without first obtaining a physician referral.
Parents simply need to visit PediatricsPlus.com, where staff members can answer questions, explain available services and begin the intake process.
She said early intervention often leads to stronger long-term outcomes and gives children the best opportunity to develop critical life skills.
Building Stronger Families
Throughout the conversation, both Younge and Neal emphasized that Pediatrics Plus believes successful therapy extends beyond the child.
Parents, caregivers, therapists and educators all become part of the same team working toward one goal—helping children succeed.
By equipping families with knowledge, encouragement and practical strategies, children receive consistent support wherever they are.
As the interview concluded, Bob Connell reflected on the impact Pediatrics Plus has on families throughout Arkansas.
“It’s a ministry,” Connell said, recognizing the compassion, dedication and life-changing work performed every day by the Pediatrics Plus team.
For many Arkansas families, Pediatrics Plus represents more than therapy.
It represents hope, encouragement and the opportunity for every child to reach his or her full potential.
OPEN MIC FEATURE
🎧 Click Below to Hear Bob Connell’s Complete Interview with Beth Younge and Zach Neal
▶️ CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE COMPLETE OPEN MIC INTERVIEW
Bob Connell visits with Beth Younge, Senior Director of the Searcy Farm at Pediatrics Plus, and parent Zach Neal for an inspiring conversation about how Pediatrics Plus is changing children’s lives through occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language therapy and ABA therapy while partnering with families every step of the way.
The interview highlights remarkable success stories, the innovative therapy farm in Searcy, the importance of early intervention and how parents can begin the referral process if they have concerns about their child’s development.
Leave a Reply