At 3:15 PM in Olentangy: When Two Neurodivergent Kids Showed Me What Advocacy Really Means

Published on June 3, 2025 by NeuroMule AI Assistant

Category: Parenting Strategies

At 3:15 PM on Thursday, November 9, in the bustling hallway of Olentangy Local School District's middle school, I held a folder bursting with IEP documents and therapy notes. The polished linoleum smelled faintly of dry-erase markers, while the distant chatter of students swirled around us. My hands, clammy and tense, gripped the smooth folder as I watched my two kids—one foot bouncing nervously, the other jotting notes with laser focus—face the chaotic school day end.

"Mom, why does this always feel like a battle?" my younger one whispered, barely above the school bell’s ring. That simple question cracked open the truth about advocacy. It isn’t about who shouts loudest or carries the thickest folder; it’s about seeing what your kids truly need beyond the paperwork.

I had spent endless hours juggling appointments, evaluations, and therapies. But in that hallway moment, with uncertainty swirling yet fierce determination shining, it hit me: advocacy is messy and evolving. It’s a marathon of patience, persistence, and—most importantly—listening deeply.

When special education first swept into our lives, it felt like stepping into a dense maze—acronyms, legal jargon, a flood of paperwork that spun my head. That’s when we found Olentangy Local School District's Parent Mentor Program, and it changed everything.

I still remember my shaky first call: "I don’t even know where to start. What exactly does an IEP mean for my child?"

The calm voice on the other end soothed my nerves. "You’re not alone. We walk this path together—think of me as your partner."

That reassurance was a lifeline. The Parent Mentor Program isn’t just information; it’s guidance crafted for families like ours, gently illuminating the special education process (Olentangy Parent Mentor Program).

IEP meetings once felt like an alien puzzle. I confessed to my mentor, “I thought advocating meant fighting this uphill alone. Now, I see I have a roadmap.”

The program empowered us with tools—not just terms like "executive function support," but real ways to speak for our child's needs. We learned how therapies weave into the bigger picture. That clarity transformed how I showed up every day.

Another parent shared, “Before the mentor program, school felt like a foreign language. Now? I’m decoding it—and that changes everything.”

This community became a safe space—frustrations aired, tiny wins celebrated. Support wasn’t limited to IEPs; it extended to specialized teams and broader resources (Behavior Team; Related Services).

What once seemed impossible became a series of manageable steps. Olentangy’s support showed real commitment to families like ours.

If confusion looms, reach out. You’re not alone. The first step is often a simple call that can light your way.

By 3:15 PM in Olentangy, the challenges with my two neurodivergent kids were crystal clear—far beyond hyperactivity or meltdowns. Their struggles with self-regulation and executive function shaped every school day.

One morning stands out vividly. The homework battle spiraled. Executive function challenges made organizing tasks feel like climbing a mountain. Papers vanished, emotion soared. It wasn’t just about school; it was about my child’s dignity and sense of control.

Enter Olentangy’s Behavior Team—not distant professionals, but allies. One counselor crafted games to help identify “triggers,” teaching my kids to recognize stress before it exploded. Another session drilled simple self-advocacy phrases: "I need a break," "Can you explain that differently?" Small words, huge impact.

The real breakthrough? My younger child using these phrases with a teacher during a tough moment—and the teacher responding calmly, adjusting the task. That changed everything. It showed how self-advocacy can transform a school experience.

Speech and occupational therapies filled in essential pieces. In therapy rooms vibrant with color and energy, my child learned conversational turn-taking, fine motor skills, and sensory processing.

But the path wasn’t straight. Some days, new strategies backfired, frustration crept back in, and exhaustion followed therapy’s mental workouts. Yet the wins—those self-regulated moments, clearer speech, confident asks—weren't just milestones. They were beacons.

Advocacy is more than meetings or signatures. It’s the everyday hustle—adjusting routines, learning, and most importantly, celebrating small victories.

Olentangy’s approach—from tailored behavior support to hands-on therapies—honors each child’s unique rhythm.

To parents feeling overwhelmed by the swirl of behaviors and paperwork: each small win moves the needle. Tools like NeuroMule can help track progress, organize info, and untangle the chaos—a trusted companion on your journey.

Quick Advocacy Tips to Try Today:

Connect with a Parent Mentor early.
Learn simple self-advocacy phrases with your child.
Keep a daily log of what strategies work or need tweaking.
Use tools like NeuroMule to organize appointments, notes, and progress.

Stepping into special education advocacy felt like facing a vast, intimidating ocean without a compass. But in Olentangy, that ocean is filled with streams of support, all flowing toward the success of our neurodivergent kids.

The School Advocacy Committee wasn’t just a resource; it became an ally. Their meetings revealed that issues I thought were personal—navigating IEPs, executive function struggles—were shared widely. Advocacy isn’t a solitary fight; it’s collective strength (Olentangy School Advocacy Committee).

The Pupil Services Department was a sturdy pillar—offering a spectrum of therapies, committed to each child’s unique needs (Olentangy Pupil Services Department). The Behavior Team didn’t just respond to crises; they equipped kids with self-regulation and advocacy skills vital for daily challenges.

Our journey from survival mode to advocacy leadership was gradual. What began as pushing for accommodations became a movement shaping policies. Programs like the Parent Mentor and local advocacy meetings illuminate how families can transform systems that affect all neurodivergent kids.

At one meeting, a parent shared how collective action improved teacher training on executive function support. This wasn’t bureaucracy—it was life-changing.

Advocacy blends personal and community. Finding my voice echoed in others empowered me to push for change beyond the classroom.

Parents, your voice matters outside IEP meetings. Join groups, attend boards, connect with peers. It’s messy and exhausting, yes—but it changes futures.

Feeling buried by details? NeuroMule helps you manage meetings, notes, and goals, so you focus on what truly matters—your child and community.

By 3:15 PM in Olentangy, advocacy was no longer an abstract puzzle. It had become a lived, vibrant reality—a rhythm of community, persistence, and hope fueled by the incredible courage of my two neurodivergent kids.

Advocacy isn’t about perfection or ticking boxes. It’s about showing up, day after day, patient and hopeful.

If you’re on this path, remember it’s okay to feel overwhelmed sometimes. You don’t have to carry every detail alone. Tools like NeuroMule can organize chaos, lighten your load, and shine a light on the next step. Think of it as your calm, capable buddy—quietly supporting you so you can focus on what matters most: your child’s growth and your family’s well-being.

Advocacy is a journey shaped by love, community, and resilience. With the right support, you’re not just surviving—you’re moving forward, one determined step at a time.