Navigating Social Skills Support in Olentangy Local School District: A Parent's Guide

If you're a parent of a neurodivergent child in the Olentangy Local School District, you might be feeling overwhelmed trying to figure out where to find social skills support and how to get it. You're not alone. This guide is here to help you cut through the confusion and find the resources your child needs to thrive socially and emotionally. Think of this as your friendly roadmap to partnering with the school system—because when parents and educators work together, kids win.

Social skills support is part of the broader special education services your child might receive. You’ve probably heard the term IEP (Individualized Education Program) — that’s the plan schools create to meet your child’s unique needs. Social skills goals are often included in these plans to help kids build positive interactions, manage emotions, and advocate for themselves.

Olentangy Local School District shows a strong commitment to helping neurodivergent students develop these skills. The Pupil Services Department is the main hub coordinating special education and related services, making sure everything works together smoothly. You can learn more about them here: Olentangy Pupil Services.

The Behavior Team is a group of experts who help create personalized strategies for your child to improve behavior and social skills. They work closely with families and schools to support goals like self-regulation and positive interactions. Think of them as your child’s social skills coaches. You can find more about their role here: Olentangy Behavior Team.

Navigating special education can feel like learning a new language. That’s why the Parent Mentor Program is so valuable. It pairs you with an experienced parent who’s been through the process and can guide you step-by-step. They help explain the IEP process, answer your questions, and support you in advocating for your child’s social skills needs.

How to get started:

• Reach out to the Pupil Services Department to connect with a Parent Mentor.
• Ask your mentor questions like, "How can I make sure social skills goals are included in my child’s IEP?" or "What should I expect at IEP meetings?"

Learn more here: Olentangy Parent Mentor Program.

If your child struggles with behavior or social interaction, the Behavior Team can provide tailored interventions. They’ll work with your child’s teachers and you to create strategies that can be used both at school and at home.

Tips for working with the Behavior Team:

• Prepare for meetings by noting specific social challenges your child faces.
• Ask for clear examples of strategies you can try at home.
• Request regular updates on progress to adjust plans as needed.

For younger children, the Preschool Peer Model Program brings together typically developing kids and children with special needs. This inclusive setting encourages natural social interactions through play, helping build communication and confidence early on.

Why it matters:

• Early social skills set the stage for future success.
• Peer models provide positive examples and friendship opportunities.

More info here: Olentangy Preschool Peer Model Program.

Olentangy partners with the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center to offer mental health support right at school. This service helps address social and emotional challenges that can affect your child’s ability to connect and learn.

How to access:

• Talk to your child’s school counselor or Pupil Services for a referral.
• Ask about how these services can support your child’s social goals.

Learn more here: OSU Wexner Medical Center.

• Start with the Parent Mentor: They can help you understand the process and prepare for meetings.
• Prepare for IEP Meetings: Write down your child’s strengths and challenges, and what social skills you want to see developed.
• Ask for Clear Goals: Social skills goals should be specific and measurable. For example, "Will initiate conversation with peers twice a day."
• Use Strategies at Home: Ask the Behavior Team or teachers for simple activities or routines you can try at home to reinforce skills.
• Keep Notes: Track your child’s progress and any concerns. This helps in meetings and when adjusting strategies.
• Stay Connected: Regularly check in with teachers, therapists, and mentors to keep everyone on the same page.

One parent shared how the Parent Mentor Program helped her feel less alone. "At first, I was so overwhelmed by all the meetings and paperwork. My mentor helped me understand what to expect and gave me the courage to speak up for my daughter's social goals. Now, we have a plan that really fits her, and I feel like part of the team."

Stories like this remind us that while the journey can be challenging, support is available and you don’t have to do it alone.

Supporting your child’s social skills is a journey full of ups and downs, but with the right tools and partnerships, it becomes manageable. Olentangy Local School District offers a solid network of programs and people ready to help.

And when the load feels heavy, tools like NeuroMule can be your calm, capable companion. It helps you organize important information, track progress, and uncover insights—so you can focus on what matters most: supporting your amazing child.

Take a deep breath, lean on your community, and know that every step you take is making a difference.