Homeschooling Your Autistic Child: What You Need to Know

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So, you’ve decided to homeschool your autistic child. First of all, deep breaths. You’re not alone in wondering, “Am I doing this right?” Or, “What if I totally mess this up?

The good news is, you’re already doing well just by caring enough to ask these questions.

The even better news? Homeschooling gives you the freedom to create a learning environment that actually works for your child. No rigid rules, no unnecessary pressure, just real learning at their own pace. So, you’re making the right decision, at least.

Let’s talk about how to make this work without losing your sanity.

Table of Contents

Traditional Schooling vs. Homeschooling

If you’re going to start homeschooling your child, the first thing you need to do is throw out the traditional rulebook.

Regular schooling doesn’t work for a lot of kids with autism. The 8 am start. The rigid lesson plans. Those endless worksheets. None of it is necessary, and honestly? That kind of learning will just create more stress for your child.

Your child’s brain doesn’t work on a factory schedule, and that’s okay. Maybe they’ll learn best in short bursts. Maybe they need movement breaks every few minutes. Maybe their best ideas come at night while upside down on the couch.

The beauty of homeschooling is that you get to roll with their rhythm. You’re not forcing them into someone else’s. You also get to spend more time together, have a flexible schedule and a comfortable setting (you can homeschool anywhere!), and help ease your child’s anxiety.

Teaching your autistic child at home is probably the safest option, too.

How Homeschooling Helps

Most children with autism have their own learning styles, just like how they communicate in their own ways. So, when you choose to homeschool your child, you can create an environment that works with their learning style.

Homeschooling provides a familiar place for your child to learn, which may make them feel less anxious and more focused. And since the pacing and instructions can be modified to their comfort level, it can be the best learning experience for your child.

It also works well for parents and caregivers. When you homeschool, you get to have complete control over the environment. This allows you to eliminate or minimize as many distractions and overwhelming situations as possible.

Before proceeding, just make sure you’re taking in your child’s specific needs. You can look for homeschooling guides for autistic children or consult with a professional.

Sensory-Friendly Learning

The majority of people with autism struggle with sensory overload. If your child is one of them, a typical or traditional classroom will only make matters worse.

However, at home, you can build a learning space that actually works for them.

Do they hate bright lights? Go for soft or dim lighting. They don’t do well with noise? Get them some noise-canceling headphones when things get too loud. When it’s reading time, let them curl up in a weighted blanket.

A good strategy for sensory-friendly learning is to use visual aids wherever and as much as possible. Most children learn better when they see things, and children with autism are the same. Make a visual calendar or tasks list, use flashcards to teach them new words, and let them draw too.

The goal is to provide as much comfort as possible because a comfortable brain learns better and faster.

Creating a Curriculum

Here’s a secret: Kids learn better when they actually care about what they’re learning. So, instead of following a traditional teaching method, follow their interests.

If your child is obsessed with space, use it to teach them to read. Turn grocery shopping into a math lesson. Go on family trips and teach them history. Let them write stories about their favorite animals.

The thing is, learning isn’t just about memorizing things or facts. Children don’t need thick textbooks or workbooks to be smart. Sometimes, unschooling works better for them.

Here are some homeschooling curriculum resources that are available online:

The ARIS Curriculum – for kids of 2 to 5 years of developmental age.
Gemm Learning – for children with autism, dyslexia, and ADHD.
Homeschool+ – available both online and offline until 2nd grade.
Khan Academy – web-based resources for basic academic skills.

You should use a variety of different resources and activities to find out what works best for your child. Adjust the curriculum as needed and focus on building a routine. Keep making changes as you assess their progress.

Focusing on Social Skills

Socialization is not always what you think. One of the biggest myths about homeschooling is that kids will turn into socially awkward recluses.

The truth? Most homeschooled children are actually better at socializing than those who attend regular public or private schools.

Autistic kids struggle a lot in traditional school settings because of forced and overwhelming social interactions. Homeschooling lets you introduce socialization in a way that suits your child.

You can arrange playdates with other kids they feel comfortable with, help them interact with online communities, encourage them to join special interest clubs, or even just hang out with family to learn social skills naturally.

Incorporating Therapy

There’s only so much you can do for your autistic child as a parent. And that’s okay, because the complex stuff should actually be left to the professionals.

Make sure you have regular therapy sessions for your child’s behavior, speech, and psychological health. Get in touch with therapists and psychologists and work with them to create the best homeschooling environment for your child.

Since every autistic child is different and unique, you will need to arrange personalized resources and support for them.

Handling Burnout

Don’t forget to give yourself some love and care amidst all of this. Overworking and overstressing will affect not only your own health but also that of your child.

Not every day will be smooth. Some days, nothing will go as planned. And you know what? That’s perfectly okay!

You aren’t trying to recreate school at home. What you’re doing is creating a learning experience that respects your child’s needs and your own mental health.

Celebrate small wins. Take breaks when needed. Tackle one thing at a time, one day at a time. And remember, you’re not failing; you’re figuring it out. Just like every other parent out there.