Are you concerned about what your school district’s plan is for the upcoming school year? Have you considered homeschooling your child with autism, but are daunted by the task? The SEED Center is here for you, and we can help you prepare and succeed! There are many different options and factors to take into account when homeschooling a child with autism, but with a little planning and research it can be a successful experience! With a flexible schedule, you can easily fit ABA therapy into your busy day and we’re here to help with that!

Advantages of homeschooling a child with autism

• Allows parents to orchestrate their child’s environment, education, and social experiences
• Provides an individualized program tailored to the child’s unique talents, needs, and interests.
• Permits your child to take breaks, avoid triggers, and limit social frustrations, making it easier to learn.
• Provides a safe, loving environment to learn in.
• Parents have a chance to watch their child grow and learn firsthand.
• Ensures your child is getting the correct resources to provide a sound education.
• Special education teachers may be generalists and may have little to no experience with autism.

Tips for homeschooling your child with autism

• Work with high-level interest topics-incorporate them into your child’s lesson plan.
• Empower your child by getting them involved in educational decisions.
• Encourage real-world socialization by integrating high-level interest topics into lessons (for example, if your child is interested in dinosaurs or a certain time period, take them on a trip to the museum.)
• Incorporate physical exercise/movement breaks into your homeschool routine.
• Stick to a schedule, but build breaks into the daily routine.
• Know when to ask for help-homeschooling can be an overwhelming task, so make sure to reach out for resources if you need them.
• Limit outside stimulation if your child is triggered or distracted by them.

Curriculum

There are a wide variety of curriculum options for homeschooling. Parents and caregivers should take into account their child’s learning style and development when considering homeschool curriculum. 

Possible curriculum options include:

• All-in-one: same grade level and delivery method for all academics
• Computer-based learning programs
• School-at-home style textbooks and workbooks
• Eclectic: parents pick and choose parts of different homeschooling resources
• Unschooling: driven by student interest and life experiences, not formal lessons

Let The SEED Center be a part of your “school day!” We have availability both in the center and in your home, 7 days a week, between 8am and 8pm! We understand how difficult it is teaching your own child at home-let your child come learn and grow with us…while you take some time for yourself!