"Simply experiencing hardship doesn't develop resilience. Resilience develops when kids are supported through hardship time and time again by a loving and caring adult." 

Where would we be without It's a Sensory World!?

Since Payton was 3 1/2 years old, ISW has supported her through every stage of her development. Unfortunately for us, public school was not the best option for Payton. Given her extensive early childhood trauma, her unique learning disabilities, and her safety, Payton needed to be in a small ratio with trauma-informed practices.

The most important thing was for her to be in a SAFE, loving, caring, and nurturing environment. A place where connection was prioritized over compliance, and she was taught strategies to help her regulate, self-advocate, and have a positive sense of self. A place where she was lovingly challenged to her fullest potential but celebrated for who she is! 

Payton has been in ISW preschool, ISW Academy, summer camps, sensory circuits, and social skills groups! She has greatly benefitted from virtually every single program ISW has to offer throughout her life. She has built some of the most life-changing relationships and made the best friends she will have for life. 

Last year, Payton asked to try public school. She wanted to experience all the things she has seen my niece and nephew enjoy, like Homecoming and Prom. I was TERRIFIED, but after consulting with our village and many prayers, I felt peace about the decision to honor her choice. While it's not perfect, Payton has exceeded so many expectations. She can navigate 9th grade, with her neurotypical peers, in general education classrooms with inclusion support. She rotates classes and is learning to navigate the daily social challenges that the environment presents. 

I have had a few teachers tell me during ARD meetings that Payton has a very positive sense of self and does a good job advocating for herself in certain situations. She is also extremely kind and empathetic to everyone she meets. Utilizing the strategies in a much larger ratio has been a learning curve, but she is TRYING! She continues to amaze everyone with her resilience and perseverance. Being neurodiverse in a neurotypical world is HARD, but it would be even harder if she had not been empowered with strategies. 

I have NO DOUBT that Payton would not be where she is today without It's a Sensory World!. While I would love to take all the credit for how far she has come, the truth is this has been a team of teachers, therapists, mentors, friends, and FAMILY. It's a Sensory World! along with all of you are in our village, and we are so grateful for the many years of support.