Our Story
THE FAMILY BEHIND 4C SENSORY CENTERThe Simpson Family
Dwayne•Nijah•Carter•Carley•Carsen•Cari
Our family's journey through autism, ADHD, and sensory differences opened our eyes to a need we saw everywhere: families searching for understanding, acceptance, and safe places for their children. What began as a personal mission has grown into 4C Sensory Center, a nonprofit dedicated to creating welcoming spaces, providing resources, and building a community where every child can learn, connect, and thrive.
Our Family's Journey
4C Sensory Center started at our kitchen table, not in a boardroom.
We are the Simpson family: Dwayne, Nijah, and our four children, Carter, Carley, Carsen, and Cari. Our home is loud, loving, busy, and full of personality. It is also a home shaped by autism, ADHD, and sensory differences.
Like many parents, we did not have a road map. We learned as we went. We learned to read the signs before a meltdown. We learned that a noisy room, a scratchy shirt, or a sudden change in plans could turn a good day into a hard one. We learned that some of our children communicate in ways that do not always involve words, and that every one of those ways deserves to be heard. Most of all, we learned that our children were never the problem. The world around them just was not built with them in mind.
Our family day at the farm
We planned our visit for the hours we expected to be less crowded, and it worked. The crowd was much smaller. We traveled more than 30 miles to this location to help avoid extreme meltdowns and overstimulation.
We Felt It Everywhere
At birthday parties where the music was too loud. At playgrounds where our children were stared at instead of included. In waiting rooms, at church, at the grocery store, and at community events where we spent more time apologizing than enjoying ourselves. We met so many other parents who felt the same way: tired, judged, and alone.
So We Built What We Wished We Had
Calm, welcoming spaces where children can play, explore, and regulate their bodies without judgment. Free tools that help every child communicate. And a community where parents can finally exhale and say, "These are my people."
Everything we do is built on our 4C Promise: Comfort, Connection, Community, and Confidence.
Meet the Founders
HUSBAND AND WIFE. ONE HEART. ONE VISION.
Dwayne and Nijah Simpson lead 4C Sensory Center together. As husband and wife and as parents, they are building a village where every child and every family belongs.
Dwayne & Nijah Simpson
Nijah Simpson
Founder & Executive Director
"I am a wife and mother first. Before 4C Sensory Center had a name, it was a prayer I prayed on hard nights and a promise I made to my children: I will make sure you have a place where you belong.
I know what it feels like to walk into a room and brace yourself. I know the looks, the whispers, and the quiet exhaustion of explaining your child to people who do not want to understand. I also know the pure joy of watching my children light up when they finally feel safe, seen, and celebrated for exactly who they are.
4C is my way of turning our family's hardest moments into something that helps other families. I want every parent who finds us to feel less alone, and every child to know that the way they move, play, feel, and communicate is welcome here. As Executive Director, I lead our vision, our programs, and our partnerships, but my real job is simple: to make sure no family has to walk this road by themselves."
Dwayne Simpson
Co-Founder & Co-Executive Director
"As a father, I want my children to have every chance to grow, play, and be confident in who they are. Being their dad has taught me patience, presence, and a whole new way of seeing the world.
I have watched my kids work so hard just to get through spaces that were never designed for them. I have also seen what happens when they are given the right support, the right environment, and people who believe in them. They thrive. That is what I want for every child in our community.
I also want other dads to know they are not alone. Raising neurodivergent children takes strength, but it also takes community. As Co-Executive Director, I work alongside my wife, Nijah, to build 4C from the ground up, from our pop-up play events to our future sensory center, so that families have a place to connect, recharge, and feel at home. This is our family's mission, and we are honored to share it with yours."
Every child deserves a place to belong.
Every family deserves support. Welcome to our village.
What started with one family's journey is growing into a community committed to making inclusion part of everyday life.