Homeschooling A Child With Autism

We have been homeschooling my fourteen-year-old son since he was eight years old.

Last week he went back to school.

He is enrolled in a Medieval History class at a private school, as part of a homeschool hybrid program.

He wants to go. He wants to get away from his little brother. He wants to learn from someone other than me. He wants to hang out with other teenagers.

He is growing up.

So with some anxiety and lots of prayer, I toured the school, filled out the paperwork, wrote the check and sent my son back into the classroom.

I received an email from the teacher after his first class.

I held my breath when I opened it. (Part of our decision to homeschool was based on how difficult the school environment was for my child. Most emails back in our school days brought bad news.)

“I am really looking forward to working with your son. He is quite a remarkable student. His knowledge of history is already quite impressive – not just for his age, but for anyone!“

That was it.

No concerns over his social ability or attention.

No comments about his interactions with other children.

No wringing of the hands because he wears crocs instead of “appropriate footwear.”

Late last week, my son asked if he could go to the school’s movie night.

“I met two boys that are really into computers and they are going to be there. They asked if I could come too.“

My son made friends, immediately. He engaged in an extra-curricular activity, immediately.

He is having fun and socializing at school.

Why am I so surprised?

The Truth About Homeschooling A Child With Autism

One of the fears we have, and the myths we believe, is that if a child is homeschooled (especially a child with autism), there is no way they will be able to “hack it in the real world,” including environments with other children that are not homeschooled.

My experience has consistently been exactly the opposite.

Here’s how we have approached homeschooling my child on the autism spectrum.

Making The Decision To Homeschool My Child With Autism

What Has Surprised me Most

Autism, Special Interests And Interest-Led Learning

 

Looking for more encouragement and support?

Join me today at The iHomeschool Network as I share and debunk Special Needs Homeschooling Myths that are just that – myths.

http://ihomeschoolnetwork.com/special-needs-homeschooling-myths/

See you there!

Shawna

This post was originally published on Not The Former Things in 2017.

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