Navigating Sensory Processing Supports in South-Western City School District: A Parent’s Guide

Welcome! If you’re a parent or caregiver of a child with sensory processing needs, you might feel a bit overwhelmed trying to find the right support at school. That’s completely normal—and you’re not alone. This guide is here to help you understand what’s available in the South-Western City School District (SWCSD), connect with the right people, and build your confidence in advocating for your child’s unique sensory needs. Together, we’ll walk through practical steps to ensure your child gets the accommodations they deserve.

Have you noticed your child reacting strongly to everyday sights, sounds, textures, or movements? Maybe loud noises make them anxious, or they seek out certain sensations like spinning or touching things repeatedly. Sensory processing is how our brain receives, organizes, and responds to information from our senses. When a child has sensory processing challenges, their brain might interpret these signals differently—leading to being overly sensitive or sometimes not sensitive enough.

This isn’t just a quirk. For neurodivergent kids, including those with autism or ADHD, sensory processing differences can deeply affect how they learn and navigate daily life. Imagine trying to focus in a noisy classroom or feeling the urge to move constantly to stay calm. These experiences shape how your child interacts with their environment and others.

Catching sensory processing needs early can really change the game. Early intervention helps kids develop ways to manage their sensory world, which can boost communication, social skills, and readiness for school. The sooner support starts, the better your child’s chances of thriving as they grow.

If you have a younger child, SWCSD offers a Special Education Preschool Program designed to provide early support. This includes center-based classrooms and Head Start inclusion classrooms where specialized sensory strategies are part of daily learning. These programs are tailored to help little ones develop in a nurturing environment.

The preschool is located at 4324 Haughn Road, Grove City, OH 43123—making it convenient for families in Franklin County.

As your child moves through school, the district’s Special Education program integrates sensory supports into Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). (An IEP is a plan that outlines personalized goals and accommodations for students with special needs.) The district focuses on "reasonable accommodations," which means adjustments like sensory breaks, access to fidget tools, quiet spaces, or modified classroom setups to help reduce sensory overload.

Nicole Tyo is the go-to person if you want to learn more about accessing sensory supports and services in SWCSD. Reaching out to her can give you personalized guidance and help you navigate the system with more confidence.

Advocating for your child can feel daunting, but with a clear plan, you’ll feel more in control. Here are some steps to get you started:

• Be Specific About Your Child’s Sensory Profile: Share real examples of how sensory challenges show up at home or in other settings. For instance, "My child covers their ears during loud assemblies" or "They need to take breaks when the classroom gets too noisy."

• Share What Works: Let school staff know about sensory tools or strategies that help your child, like using noise-canceling headphones or having a designated quiet corner.

• Prepare for IEP or ARD Meetings: (ARD stands for Admission, Review, and Dismissal—a meeting to discuss your child’s education plan.) Bring any sensory assessments or therapist reports you have. Think about specific accommodations you want to request, such as scheduled sensory breaks or adaptive seating.

• Keep Communication Open: Ask for regular updates on how sensory accommodations are working. Don’t hesitate to request adjustments if something isn’t helping.

• Document Everything: Keep notes on meetings, emails, and conversations. This can be a huge help in tracking progress and ensuring your child’s needs are met.

"I’ve noticed that loud noises can be overwhelming for my child, and they do best with scheduled sensory breaks. Could we include this in their IEP?"

"Using a fidget tool helps my child focus during lessons. Can we explore options for allowing that in the classroom?"

Many parents feel uncertain or overwhelmed when navigating sensory processing supports. Remember, your feelings are valid, and it’s okay to ask for help. Connecting with other families in Franklin County or local support groups can provide community and shared wisdom.

Navigating sensory processing supports in SWCSD is a journey, but it’s one you don’t have to take alone. From early intervention in preschool to personalized accommodations through the school years, the district offers resources designed to help your child thrive.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed managing all this information and the details of your child’s supports, consider trying NeuroMule. It’s a tool built to help parents organize information, track supports, and gain insights—lightening your load so you can focus on what matters most: your child.

Remember, you’re your child’s best advocate, and every step you take makes a difference. You’ve got this!