Is My Toddler Just Behind—Or Is There Something I Can Do Now?

As a parent, it can be hard to know when to worry and when to wait. You might be asking yourself: 
“Is my toddler just a little behind, or is something more going on?” 

You’re not alone. One of the most common searches we see from Portland-area parents is: 
“my toddler is behind on motor skills Portland.” 

This blog is here to help you make sense of that worry and explore what actions you can take. We'll explain how traditional therapies like occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) approach developmental delays—and how ABM NeuroMovement® offers a complementary, brain-based method that many parents haven’t heard about yet. 

Understanding Developmental Milestones—And Why They Vary 

First, let’s acknowledge something important: children develop at their own pace. Some walk at 10 months, others at 18. Some love movement, others take a slower, more observational path. 

But when delays begin to affect a child’s ability to explore, play, or interact with their world, it’s time to explore options—not from fear, but from care. 

The concern usually shows up when a toddler: 

• Isn't crawling or walking when expected 

• Struggles with balance or coordination 

• Seems clumsy or disinterested in physical play 

• Has difficulty using hands or manipulating objects 

Sometimes these delays resolve on their own. Other times, early support can make all the difference. 

The Traditional Path: OT and PT 

When a parent raises concerns to their pediatrician, they are typically referred to: 

• Occupational Therapy (OT) for fine motor skills, play, and self-care activities 

• Physical Therapy (PT) for gross motor skills, posture, and movement development 

These therapies have well-established tools to assess motor delays and often focus on strengthening, stretching, or practicing specific tasks like climbing, grabbing, or walking. 

OT and PT are essential for many children, and for some, they’re enough. But others may plateau—or resist therapy altogether. 

This is when parents often come to MoveAbilities and ask: 

“We’re doing therapy, but my toddler still seems stuck. Is there something gentler or more whole-brain focused we can try?” 

A Gentle, Brain-Centered Approach: ABM NeuroMovement® 

The Anat Baniel Method® NeuroMovement® is different from OT or PT because it starts with one simple premise: 
Movement is a function of the brain—not just the muscles. 

Rather than repeating exercises to force a skill, ABM helps the brain learn how to organize movement more intelligently and efficiently. Through gentle, non-invasive movements and guided awareness, a child’s nervous system is invited to explore, adapt, and change. 

At MoveAbilities in Portland, sessions are: 

• Calm and pressure-free (no drilling or repetition) 

• Playful and respectful of each child’s pace 

• Based on real-time feedback from the child’s responses 

• Designed to help the brain find better options—not the body just perform a task 

This can be especially helpful for toddlers who resist traditional therapy or don’t respond well to external pressure. 

How Does ABM Fit With What You’re Already Doing? 

This is one of the most common questions we hear from parents: 

“Should I stop PT or OT if I try ABM?” 

Not at all. In fact, ABM often enhances other therapies by: 

• Improving your child’s body awareness and sensory integration 

• Reducing tension and resistance that block progress 

• Supporting motor planning and coordination 

• Making the nervous system more adaptable and open to learning 

Think of it this way: 

• OT teaches skills 

• PT improves strength and function 

• ABM improves the quality of how the brain organizes all of it 

They work better together, especially when children have complex needs or unique sensory profiles. 

What Portland Parents Want to Know 

Parents who reach out to MoveAbilities often ask: 

• “Is my child just a late bloomer, or is this something more?” 

• “They tell me to wait, but I feel like we’re missing a window.” 

• “He fights every therapy session—what can I do that won’t stress him out?” 

• “What’s the difference between ABM and what we’re already doing?” 

The answer to all of these is: You don’t have to wait or choose between options. You can start gently supporting your child’s brain and body today. 

What a NeuroMovement Session Looks Like 

In an ABM session: 

• The practitioner moves your child slowly and gently, without force 

• There’s no expectation to “perform” or repeat tasks 

• Your child is invited to notice differences, not fix problems 

• Movement is treated as a language the brain can learn to speak better 

For toddlers who are sensitive, fearful, or overwhelmed by therapy, this can be a game-changer. Some parents say their child is calmer, more engaged, and even sleeps better after sessions. 

When to Consider ABM for Your Toddler 

You don’t need a formal diagnosis to begin. ABM is often most effective when used early, even before labels are attached. You might want to explore it if: 

• Your child is behind on gross or fine motor skills 

• You’ve tried OT or PT and progress has stalled 

• You want a gentler, more individualized approach 

• Your child gets overwhelmed by traditional therapy settings 

• You’re looking for an add-on therapy that works with your current plan 

Can I Do ABM Without OT or PT? 
Yes—you absolutely can. Many families choose to focus solely on ABM NeuroMovement® without combining it with occupational or physical therapy. It depends on the needs of your child and the pace that feels right for your family. At MoveAbilities, we support parents in making informed, individualized decisions. Whether ABM is your starting point or a next step, it can stand on its own as a complete and respectful way to support your child’s development. 

You’re Not Alone—and You’re Not Behind 

When your toddler seems behind on motor skills, it can trigger a flood of worry. That’s normal. But you’re not behind as a parent, and your child is not broken. They just need more information—more options—for their brain to make sense of movement. 

ABM offers those options in a way that honors your child’s uniqueness, supports their development, and gives you a hopeful, science-backed way forward. 

📅 Talk With Someone Who Understands 

If you’re in the Portland area and want to explore how ABM NeuroMovement® can support your child’s development—whether as a supplement to OT/PT or a starting point—Kathy at MoveAbilities is here to help. 

👉 Contact Kathy at MoveAbilities to schedule a consultation or ask questions.