Homeschool Autism

"Autism Homeschool" -- Put those two words together and life can seem overwhelming, particularly to a parent who is schooling or considering schooling a child on the autistic spectrum.

But I assure you, with proper preparation and research (and a double-shot latte) you can provide everything your child with autism needs to foster a positive and productive homeschool environment.

As I am writing this article, I am chuckling to myself as I recall what my son, Andy,(diagnosed with high-functioning autism) recently said to me. Andy has Asperger's Syndrome and he is very frank and honest.

Andy recently approached me, with a big smile and mischievous gleam in his eyes, and asked, "So what is my financial share in the articles I contribute to your website?"

His humor and wit brighten up our homeschool days. The insights and the way in which he views the world inspire me.

Life isn't about assignments and tasks to my son -- to Andy everything has to have meaning and a purpose or it isn't worthwhile, and definitely not worth his time.

In watching my son, I find myself repeatedly questioning the intention and goals behind my own lesson plans.

Today, I gave (what I thought) was a very cool art lesson on value, and how to shade objects on paper. Much to my surprise, my son had absolutely no interest whatsoever in sketching and shading a cube. After a minute of scribbling he shouted, "I'm done!"

Well, at least it looked like a cube, and the shading was done correctly, was my initial thought.

An hour or so later, I realized the art lesson was entirely meaningless and out of context. My son wasn't sure what my point was, and, truthfully, neither was I.

I certainly won't tell you the job is easy. And attempting to explain how to go about teaching an autistic child isn't easy either. Each child is so unique. But there are some common basics.

In my opinion, based on my son's desire to have meaning and connections in his lessons, and my need to be able to pick and choose subject matter to meet his interests and ability level, while still providing structure and consistency, an eclectic approach to teaching is the best.

However, in order to avoid sensory overload, some children with autism may learn more effectively through a narrower, more Traditional Method of homeschool.

But with proper adapting, a parent can apply any teaching method.

When I was a public school teacher, I taught with the intention of reaching all the children. I had to adapt my lessons to meet the needs of a wide span of my students' learning styles.

Some people boohoo the learning styles theories. I just use what works. And as a parent, with a child with learning challenges, I need all the tools I can get.

In schooling Andy, I had a lot of curriculum choices After I researched and made up my mind about what I wanted to teach, I did the following:
curriculum purchase,
development,
planning,
modification,
and application.

That's one of the reasons for spectrumhomeschool.com; you can find a lot of the resources and information you need to make purchasing decision, develop your curriculum, plan, modify and apply your lessons right here.

Each month, I add additional articles to assist you in your home school journey.

Looking beyond the curriculum, there are many other areas to prepare when home schooling a child with autism. You definitely need techniques in place for dealing with fixations, obsessions, inappropriate conduct and meltdowns.

And a sense of order and routine is important. I would recommend setting up a school schedule and designating a place to store your teacher and student supplies. I would also suggest purchasing a lesson plan book.

Also, refreshing your memory about how to promote and reward positive behavior can be a huge time saver and a way to avoid frustration on your end.

Modifying assignments is a must and including a variety of approaches to instruction is very beneficial. Adding spice to your lessons makes learning more fun for you and your child.

When planning occasionally incorporate social skills, goal setting, and self-esteem lessons.

Also, basing lessons on a child's fixations or obsessions can motivate him to learn and save you the headache of trying to distract your child from his passion.

I recently steered a persuasive writing report towards Pokemon; I've never seen my child research and write so much and he didn't want to stop.

SBI!

Homeschool Autism

Homeschooling the Child on the Autistic Spectrum

By Marcie Ciampi