Confession time: I have been battling a borderline migraine all day, and just have not been able to get my brain to put anything into words. I realize that it’s probably cheating on #Write31Days, but I am reposting an older post for you today instead.
Anyone with a child on the Autism Spectrum knows that there are those days…
…the days that you just can’t believe you got through.
…the days when a taking break is really the only thing you could do.
…the days when, if he’d been in school, you would have heard from the school. Twice. 
For us, the answer is homeschooling.
If you’re considering homeschooling a child on the Spectrum, here are 10 benefits we have found:
1. I control the lighting. Too bright? Fluorescent bulbs too flashy or noisy? No problem.
2. He can take his time. Or go fast. Or talk fast. His pace, not that of the class.
3. No school bus. No bullies.
4. Fidget toys aren’t distracting to classmates. Just maybe to Momma. 😉
5. Single topic obsessions can be turned into very educational school projects.
6. Less stress because he isn’t herded from one room to another for special classes, recess, etc.
7. Sensory needs are easy to meet as they come up.
8. He can use speech-to-text to dictate his writing assignments into the computer.
9. Sleep issues (oversleeping mainly) don’t earn him a tardy mark.
10. He and his brother are in “the same class,” and I love that.
This post is part of a series. Go to my Landing Page to read them all.
Dawn is retired 20-year homeschooling Momma and hospital CNA, currently working on her BA in Technical Communication. She lives in Eastern Washington with her husband, the youngest 2 of their 6 kids, 2 yappy pomeranians and an assortment of backyard chickens. She writes here as well as at DawnMariePerkins.com (her personal/geek blog).
Those are some great points, Dawn. I can easily see how that would be helpful to another parent of a child with Autism.
Great list. It must be very frustrating trying to raise special needs children in a main stream environment. I’m glad you took matters into your own hands!
I can completely see why this works for your and your family. Good job, mama!
Sounds like you have found an excellent solution that fits your child’s needs perfectly. Yay for you and your kids!
What I like about this list is that it seems like a natural fit for your blog. Also, while it is specific to your situation, I think other parents raising autistic/special needs children can easily relate. Also, I like how you didn’t say that every should/can home school.
Thanks! 🙂 It IS specific and although I am a 15 year homeschool veteran, I do NOT believe everyone should homeschool or that homeschooling is for everyone. We have done both, but homeschooling just works best… for US. 😉
Stopping by from YeahWrite 31dbbb.
@JLenniDorner
Great job. Makes a lot of sense.
So practical, and such a useful list for those who are considering this option. Nicely done.
Many of those reasons are good for kids who “merely” have learning disabilities, too. I loved homeschooling my kids because I could provide extra help in areas where they were weak (Spelling!!) and let them dig deep where they were strong.
You’re exactly right, Elizabeth. Homeschooling works for not only kids who are struggling, but also those who are ahead too. They can dig deep or run ahead. 🙂
I know this is an old post, but I’m curious about homeschooling my son with Autism. He is in 3rd grade and is a good student but school stresses him out (open concept, no walls, doors, etc) and me too (they have already been in lockdown twice this year). I used to be a classroom teacher and do a lot already for him (and his little atypical brother) but I’m curious about special services, speech, occupational therapy, etc. Items he gets on his IEP now, how do you navigate that and homeschooling? I’d appreciate any insight you could give!
Theresa, I will email you. It’ll be long! 🙂
It is so refreshing to read your posts. I can totally identify with a lot of this. I homeschool my ASD son and we love it (most days….lol). Thank you for writing this with such candor and humor.
Great web site you have got here.. It’s difficult to find good quality writing like yours
these days. I seriously appreciate people like you!
Take care!!
I’m consuder Homeschooling my 11 year old son who is on the spectrum. How did you make the decision to homeschool? Have you seen a difference? He is currently in a small private school, but it’s not small enough. Any tips?
Hi Carol: My answer is long, so I will email you! 🙂