Navigating Sensory Processing Challenges in Lewisville ISD: A Parent’s Guide

Navigating the school experience can feel like a winding path when your child faces sensory processing challenges. Everyday sights, sounds, and touches at school might feel overwhelming, making it tough for your child to focus, learn, or simply feel comfortable. If you're a parent in Lewisville ISD, you’re not alone—and knowing where to find support can make all the difference.

This guide is your friendly roadmap, offering clarity and confidence as you champion your child's unique needs every step of the way. We'll walk you through the district’s resources and share practical steps to help your child not just manage, but truly thrive both inside the classroom and beyond.

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Sensory processing challenges happen when a child's brain has trouble receiving, interpreting, or responding to sensory information from their environment. This can affect alertness, focus, and behavior—especially at school, where sensory input is constant and varied.

For example, your child might:

• Struggle to filter out background noise
• Become overwhelmed by bright lights or crowded classrooms
• Seek extra sensory input to feel calm and regulated

These challenges can make it harder to pay attention, organize tasks, or manage behaviors that support learning. You might notice your child seeming distracted, fidgety, or having meltdowns when sensory input feels too intense or unpredictable.

Here are some common signs parents and teachers often see:

• Sensitivity to loud sounds, textures, or smells
• Avoidance of certain clothing or food textures
• Difficulty sitting still or focusing during lessons
• Frequent requests for movement breaks or sensory tools like fidget toys
• Overreacting or underreacting to pain or temperature
• Trouble with fine motor skills or handwriting

Recognizing these signs at home and school helps you advocate effectively for your child’s needs.

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Lewisville ISD offers specialized Occupational Therapy (OT) services that create individualized sensory plans. These plans help students stay alert, organized, and engaged by using sensory strategies tailored to their unique profiles.

OT focuses on helping students manage sensory input so they can participate fully in learning. Therapists work closely with teachers, parents, and specialists to align sensory strategies with your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals.

Each sensory plan is unique. Occupational therapists assess how your child processes sensory information—whether they seek more input, avoid certain sensations, or have other patterns. They then design strategies that fit your child’s strengths, challenges, and daily routines.

Your insights as a parent are crucial here. Sharing what you observe at home helps create a plan that works both in school and beyond.

To support sensory regulation and organization, therapists might use:

• Sensory Breaks: Short, scheduled times for calming or alerting activities like movement or deep pressure.
• Fidget Tools: Small, discreet items that provide tactile input to help focus.
• Weighted Vests or Blankets: These offer proprioceptive input (deep pressure that helps your child feel grounded and calm).
• Visual Schedules and Timers: These support executive function by helping your child anticipate transitions and manage time.
• Environmental Adjustments: Noise-canceling headphones, preferential seating, or dimmed lighting to reduce sensory overload.

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You’re a key partner in your child’s success. Here are some simple, effective ways to work closely with therapists and teachers:

1. Communicate Openly: Share detailed observations about your child’s sensory behaviors and what helps or doesn’t at home.
2. Attend Meetings and Sessions: Be present at IEP meetings and, if possible, therapy sessions to stay informed and contribute.
3. Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask therapists to explain strategies and how you can support them at home.
4. Provide Consistent Feedback: Keep the school team updated on your child’s progress or any changes you notice.
5. Advocate Confidently: If you feel your child’s needs aren’t fully met, ask for reassessments or additional supports.

Example Advocacy Question: "Can we explore adding more sensory breaks or tools to help my child stay focused during longer lessons?"

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This center offers free programs for families, including:

• Family counseling
• Parenting resource groups
• Youth social skills groups

These programs provide emotional support and practical tools for managing sensory challenges and navigating special education. They’re a great place to connect with other parents and gain new strategies.

If you suspect your child has sensory processing challenges or other special needs, LISD’s Child Find program can help. It identifies and evaluates children who may benefit from special education services.

How to Access Child Find:

1. Referral by a parent, teacher, or healthcare provider
2. LISD contacts you to explain the process
3. Comprehensive evaluation
4. Eligibility meeting to discuss services
5. Development of an IEP or 504 Plan with tailored supports

Taking this step can open doors to the right resources for your child.

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While working with the school, you can also try these at home:

• Create a sensory-friendly space with calming items like soft lighting or weighted blankets
• Use visual schedules to help your child anticipate daily routines
• Offer movement breaks during homework or screen time
• Introduce fidget toys or stress balls for focus

These small steps can make a big difference in helping your child feel regulated and ready to learn.

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Managing sensory processing challenges and all the related information can feel overwhelming. That’s where tools like NeuroMule come in. NeuroMule helps you organize your child’s educational journey, track progress, and communicate effectively with your team—all in one place.

Think of NeuroMule as your calm, capable buddy, lightening your load so you can focus on what matters most: supporting your child’s growth and celebrating their unique strengths.

You’ve got this. With the right support, resources, and tools, every step becomes a little easier.

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References:

• Lewisville ISD Occupational Therapy Services: https://www.lisd.net/Page/474
• Special Education Family Center Resources: https://www.lisd.net/Page/21786
• LISD Child Find Program: https://www.lisd.net/Page/21739