Homeschooling any child can be a huge challenge, but homeschooling a child with autism can be a much bigger challenge then you ever imagined. Any parent, who has more than one child, knows that each child is so uniquely different. Although kids with autism have some similarities in behavior and temperaments, they are just as unique as everyone else. If you’ve homeschool a typically developing child before, you need to start with a fresh mindset because this will be a much different homeschool experience for you and your family.
- Know your states laws about homeschool: Every state has different laws regarding homeschool, and state standards for each grade. Some states have you stricter rules then others, and it’s important for you to know what is required of you, if requested.
- Talk with your child’s doctor: Your child’s doctor, who treats the ASD, is a good resource. The doctor knows a lot about different techniques and new methods for kids with autism. If you need more help, your doctor should be able to refer you to someone who can help you with making a plan.
- It is really important to know where your child is developmentally: This is very important, so you aren’t frustrating yourself and your child, but you are challenging your child at the same time. You want to start teaching your child material he can understand, and is at his level academically.
- Don’t compare your child to any other children: If you have other typically developing children, it is easy to find yourself comparing your children. It’s important to remember that every child is different. You just need to help your child be the best that he or she is able to be.
- It is probably going to take longer for your child to retain the material you’re teaching: Kids all learn at different rates, so it shouldn’t really come as a surprise if your child takes longer to teach. Don’t feel like you have to keep up with anyone else. Just work on doing what’s best for your child.
- Join a homeschool group: Joining a homeschool group will give you a great support system, and help for ideas with different curriculum. A homeschool group is fun for the different outings and field trips, as well.
- Try different methods to see what works best for your child: Depending on the age of your child, there are many different great homeschool curriculum options. While they are younger, you can use word cards, printable alphabet, numbers, colors and shape sheets, puzzles and a chalkboard. A couple of great homeschool curriculum companies are Abeka and Christian Liberty.
- Don’t stress out; work on things little by little: Everyone has days that are rougher than others. Just take it one day at a time, and work on things little by little. Stressing out is not going to benefit you, and just causes your child to feel stressed out, as well.
Homeschooling kids with autism can seem intimidating, but once you make a plan, and get started you and your child will begin to get into a routine. You can have so much fun trying different things, different arts and crafts, and spending quality time together.
swood97 says
Homeschooling is such a great way for parents to have better control over what their children learn and how. I homeschooled my youngest daughter through middle school. She went on to graduate from college.
themomv4 says
Sometimes it’s hard to deal with your special needs child in the school systems and they may be better off being home schooled. This is an awesome article. Thank you so much for sharing!
mrsmuffintop says
#4 is so important, not just in homeschooling. I think I should do this with my kids, to be honest. I love our school, but I always feel like it takes such a long time for the teachers to get to know them and their needs, and by then, it’s winter break already!
Inspiring Kitchen says
Homeschooling kids with autism can be very challenging. Having a plan and knowing what your child needs are very important things to consider. This is a great resource for those who are thinking of homeschooling their child.
Kristy @ Mommy Hates Cooking says
Your fourth point is oh so important — not only in this situation, but for parenting in general. It is so easy to compare our kids to others, but each child is oh so different and they all learn differently, too. These are wonderful tips for homeschooling a special needs child.
Chelsea L. says
I admire all the hands on parent’s who had kid with autism. It wasn’t an easy job but they are strong and dedicated with their responsibility. This is worth reading for!
Brandi @ penguinsinpink.com says
These are great tips for homeschooling kids with autism. I homeschool both of my girls and some of these tips could be applied to general homeschooling. My mother-in-law homeschooled all 7 of her kids and a couple of them had different developmental abilities.
tiffanyhathorn says
My son isn’t on the autism spectrum, but he does have developmental delays. I chose to homeschool him and I definitely agree with the tips you have provided. The benefits of homeschooling are that they don’t have to be compared to other kids their age and can work at their own pace. I am also very glad that I live in an area with a very active homeschool community. It helps knowing that there are a lot of other people here that could give me advice and offer encouragement when things get tough.
dee says
These are some great tips, I have never had to experience raising a child with Autism, but I am glad that there are resources and groups that people can go to, to get help and meet other people who maybe facing the same obstacle.
Michelle Delgado says
We homeschool our two oldest (10 and 9). It is a challenge on its own. This is some great information I can pass on to a friend of mine.
Alison says
I don’t homeschool, but I know a lot of people who do and I can see these tips being very useful especially for those who have children with Autism as well. Thank you for sharing!