Home Schooling the Child with Autism

I have heard many a mother express frustration over their child with autism falling behind in school, or getting lost in the system.  Bringing a child with autism home for school can be a great way to allow them to work at their own pace, and work one-on-one with their individual needs.  I have two wonderful friends, Karen and Tina, who have experience in the topic.  They were both willing to give their words of encouragement for what can seem like a daunting task.

Both  of these moms said that the greatest challenge that they faces with their sons was keeping them focused.  Tina shared that her son's "level of intensity and frustration when things are hard for him to understand or when he doesn't want to do something, it can get very tiring.  Knowing how much harder going to school would be for him in lots of different ways, it keeps me going....that, and a lot of prayer."  


I asked my friends if there was any type of curriculum that worked best for them when it comes to keeping their kids focused.  Tina relates that unit studies work very well for her family.  She says if a child has obsessive interests, she can tailor each subject around what he loves the most.  She says that you can take almost any topic and incorporate it into any subject easily.  Karen likes using Math-U-See with her son because she says it incorporates a hands-on approach.   Tina's son enjoys doing work on the computer and she has been using Teaching Textbooks for her son.    (We use Teaching Textbooks too, you can read more about it here.)   Tina also mentioned that handwriting tends to be a great challenge for her son.  She has had success with the program Draw Write Now. 


In encouraging moms home school, Tina says:  " It is a lot fun doing so much with your children, and learning right along with them!  I have learned so much in the years we've been homeschooling that I never learned in my own school experience!   Yes, it can be very hard, at times, to be on your own for hours a day, day in and day out, teaching your special needs child  but the routine and predictability and the feeling of acceptance your child has is worth every minute."
Karen says:  "I would encourage a mom of a special needs child by telling her that she CAN do it, for her to take every detail that she is concerned about for her child and bring it to the Lord in prayer on a consistent basis.  Also, teach her child at their own pace – don’t become distracted by what other children are doing or what some book says a child is “supposed to be doing at a certain age or learning level.”  Most importantly, seek out a support group, even one on-line.  Make time for yourself and to be in God’s Word.  Proverbs 3:5-6!"

 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;  In all  your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.

I hope this has been an encouragement to you!  

Tina is the mother of three children is in her seventh year of home schooling.  


Karen has two wonderful boys and is in her second year.