8: Homeschooling Autism???
Dear Anne: I have two kids still in school (5th and 7th grades). They both have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Public school is just not right for them. We have never attempted home school, but I very much want to. The problem is I don't want to do virtual learning. My hope is to do actual book learning for the most part. Is this still possible? Please help. Any suggestions would be very appreciated. Thank you for your time. Spectrum Spectacular
Dear Spectrum Spectacular: Thanks so much for reaching out. First off, please know I don’t think homeschooling is for everybody or that “if you really loved your child, you would homeschool.” That’s nonsense. It’s all about finding the best fit for your student and your family. So, to figure out what’s best for you, first check out the FREE video lessons 1-3 that talk about “Getting Started Homeschooling,” “Identifying How My Child Learns Best,” and “Developing a Social Community.” Each video is about 15 minutes and gives super practical advice on what homeschooling looks like day-to-day so you can decide if it’s a good fit. I developed many of the free tools and downloads with support from ABA and Occupational therapists while they worked with my ASD student. Turns out, many of the tools helped the other kiddos too!
Alternatively, check out the book Homeschool Like an Expert and read the Preface “Quick Start Guide to Homeschooling” as well as Chapter Eleven: “How Do I Know If My Child’s Learning Needs Are Typical or Specialized?” The book answers the top 15 questions every parent asks when considering homeschooling—there’s nothing else like it on the market for new parent teachers.
Both are excellent resources.
Beyond that, to answer your questions specifically, yes there are MANY curriculum options across all platforms—so many that it can be a bit overwhelming at first for some, which is why I created Chapter Eight/ Video Four: “Finding the Best Curriculum.” Many autistic students learn successfully in the homeschool environment—especially those struggling with sensory/social needs—because by separating the academic from the social element, students can more easily focus on one at a time and therefore succeed at both.
Additional resources you might consider are the Homeschool Expert Podcast episodes 4, 7, and 45 which speak directly to homeschooling with autism and special needs. (Also, sign up for the Homeschool Expert newsletter so you stay tuned on podcast release dates—our podcast E:45 with Temple Grandin on “Homeschooling with Autism” will likely be of interest to you. You might also enjoy these book recommendations about Teaching Special Needs Learners as well as other resources we highlight on our Free Tools & Links page under “Resources For Students With Special Needs.”
Lastly, consider following Anne on social media using any of the links at the bottom of this page, where you can follow her latest updates on resources, tools, tips, and encouragement. Please keep us posted on your journey!