Navigating Sensory Processing Supports in Westerville City School District: A Parent’s Roadmap

If you're new to special education and facing sensory processing challenges with your child, it can feel overwhelming at first. But you're not alone. Westerville City School District offers thoughtful, tailored sensory supports designed specifically for neurodivergent kids — and with the right guidance, you can confidently navigate the system and become the strong advocate your child deserves. Think of this post as your friendly roadmap to making sensory supports a helpful part of your child's education and daily life, with NeuroMule as your calm, capable companion along the way.

Sensory processing challenges happen when a child's brain has trouble receiving and responding to sensory information like sights, sounds, touch, or movement. For neurodivergent children, including those with autism or ADHD, this can affect attention, emotional regulation, and participation in classroom activities. Imagine your child feeling overwhelmed by a noisy hallway or distracted by bright lights — these are everyday examples of sensory challenges that can impact learning.

Westerville City Schools understands these challenges and offers a range of specialized learning programs tailored to each child's unique sensory profile. These programs ensure your child gets the right accommodations and interventions to thrive academically and socially.

A key part of this support is occupational therapy (OT). Occupational therapists design sensory diets — personalized plans filled with activities like deep pressure, swinging, or tactile play — scheduled throughout the day to help regulate your child's sensory system. For example, a sensory diet might include a quiet corner with soft cushions for calming breaks or scheduled movement activities to help your child stay focused.

Together, these services create a strong support system where specialized learning programs provide the educational framework, and occupational therapy offers targeted sensory interventions. This teamwork ensures sensory supports are woven into your child's daily school experience and complement their Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Westerville also offers valuable resources for parents, like the Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) and Parent Prep sessions. These platforms empower you with knowledge, community, and advocacy tools.

SEPAC is a group of parents who share experiences and work with the district to improve special education services, including sensory supports. Being part of SEPAC means you’re not just advocating for your child alone — you’re joining a community that understands the journey.

You can join SEPAC by contacting the WCSD Special Education department or visiting the SEPAC webpage. Members get updates, share insights, and help shape policies that affect sensory accommodations and more.

These sessions offer practical strategies to support sensory needs and self-regulation at home. Topics include creating sensory-friendly spaces and managing sensory overload — skills that complement what your child experiences at school.

• Attend Regularly: Stay informed and voice your concerns.
• Connect: Network with other parents for support and tips.
• Prepare Questions: Bring specific challenges to sessions for tailored advice.
• Apply at Home: Use strategies learned to create consistency.
• Follow Up: Keep communication open with school staff and SEPAC members.

Knowing your rights is empowering. Westerville provides a Guide to Parent Rights in Special Education to help you understand procedural safeguards and your role in the IEP process.

When preparing for IEP meetings focused on sensory processing, try this step-by-step approach:

1. Review Current Documents: Look over your child’s IEP and evaluations related to sensory needs.
2. Gather Observations: Note sensory challenges and successes from school and home.
3. List Needed Accommodations: Think about what has helped or could help, like sensory breaks or OT access.
4. Prepare Questions: Write down what you want to discuss or request.
5. Bring Support: Invite a trusted advocate or someone familiar with sensory processing if possible.

Clear communication helps ensure your child’s needs are met:

• Share specific examples of sensory challenges.
• Use collaborative language focused on shared goals.
• Request regular updates on accommodations.
• Leverage SEPAC as a resource and community.

Consistency is key. Here’s how to work together:

• Create a Sensory Diet: Collaborate with therapists and educators to design a plan for school and home.
• Attend Parent Prep: Learn strategies to support your child at home.
• Keep Dialogue Open: Regularly update and consult with the school team.
• Use Visual Supports: Coordinate on tools like visual schedules that help your child.

One Westerville parent shared, "At first, I felt lost trying to understand my child's sensory needs. Joining SEPAC connected me to other parents who really got it, and the Parent Prep sessions gave me practical tools to help at home. Now, I feel confident speaking up at IEP meetings and working with the school. It’s made all the difference."

Navigating sensory supports can be a lot, but you don’t have to do it alone. NeuroMule is designed to help you organize important information, track progress, and gain insights — lightening your load as you advocate for your child’s success. Think of it as your calm, capable buddy in this journey, helping you stay informed and empowered without the overwhelm.

You’ve got this. With the right knowledge, community, and tools, brighter days are ahead. Explore NeuroMule today and see how it can support you in navigating sensory processing supports for your child in Westerville City School District.