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June 2, 2023

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Parents of children with Asperger’s syndrome or autism are often faced with the challenge of helping their children cope with the difficulties brought about by these conditions. Homeschooling is a fantastic way to provide a supportive and structured environment for children with these special needs.

While the primary benefit of homeschooling is providing a supportive environment for a child’s academic success, it can also have a positive impact on a child’s social development.

“Asperger’s and autism are complex conditions that can be challenging for parents and children alike. It may take patience, understanding, and support for both parents and children. Homeschooling provides a way for parents to provide a supportive and structured environment for their child’s academic success and social development”

Nakuru Homeschooling Blog

Parents who homeschool may do so for various reasons: to provide a supportive academic environment for their child or because they want to structure their child’s day to better meet the child’s needs.

What is the difference between Autism and Asperger’s?

Autism is a developmental disorder that causes difficulties in social interactions and understanding other people’s feelings and thoughts. While there are no definite diagnostic criteria for Autism, it is diagnosed when certain symptoms are observed in a child. These symptoms include difficulties in communicating and making friends, trouble understanding and processing verbal and nonverbal information, and a lack of social skills.

Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) is a milder version of the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). People with AS are generally diagnosed in childhood, though some adults may also be affected. Unlike people with the autism spectrum, people with Asperger’s are aware of their unusual mannerisms and cognitions. They may also have average or above-average intelligence, though they may have difficulties with social situations. Both Autism and Asperger’s have a range of characteristics that are common in people with that condition. However, there are some key differences between the two, including the age of onset, severity, and the type of symptoms that are exhibited. Let’s explore the differences between Autism and Asperger’s in detail.

The Benefits of Homeschooling an Autistic or Asperger’s Child

Individualized Instruction

One of the major benefits of homeschooling your child with Asperger’s is the individualized instruction that your child receives. Individualized instruction is the process of tailoring teaching specifically to the needs of the individual who is learning. Unfortunately, in public or private school settings, students with special needs usually do not get the specific attention that they may require. By homeschooling your child, you can provide him/her with a program that best fits his/her needs. Keep in mind that Asperger’s students benefit from highly structured activities, so homeschooling on a specific schedule is vital.

For example, Ethan works better first thing in the morning, so you can create a schedule with most of his academics first. Ethan also enjoys doing most of his work on his laptop or tablet. You can create a curriculum in which technology is a focus so that he can benefit from using those tools.

Building Family Relationships

Homeschooling gives families a great opportunity to become closer by working and learning together daily. Conversations can not only be personal but educational because home and school are completely connected. Because children with Asperger’s struggle with building relationships, this is a huge benefit for these students.

Ever since Ethan started homeschooling, you can understand more of the academic struggles that he has. He has gotten closer to you on a personal level because of the amount of time you spend together. Ethan is building trust, and you are learning more about him each day.

Limiting Distractions & Interruptions

Homeschooling a child with Asperger’s Disorder requires preparation and planning. Make sure to create a quiet, distraction-free area for your child to work in. Turn off the television, cell phones, and other technology devices unless they are being used in a lesson. Let friends and family know that you are not available during homeschooling hours unless it is an emergency. Provide your child with a clean, clutter-free desk and the tools he/she will need for their lessons.

For example, Ethan’s brothers and sisters attend public school, and when they come home from school they enjoy getting snacks and doing their homework at the kitchen table. This can be very distracting for Ethan. Consider creating a separate area in the home for him to get his work done. This way, when his siblings get home from school, it isn’t a huge disruption for him.

Opportunities for Social Interactions

Children with Asperger’s struggle with social interactions. Sometimes they don’t understand how to relate to peers or even make friends. If you are homeschooling your Asperger’s child, then you need to make sure that you provide other opportunities for social interactions. Social interactions are moments between two or more people in which they need to speak or engage with one another. Students with Asperger’s need to learn how to interact with their peers and other people in their daily lives.

For example, a great idea would be to enroll Ethan in a playgroup or a social therapy group so that he can practice how to interact with others. He could also play a team sport, or join a martial arts class or another course to encourage social interactions.

Principles of Homeschooling an Autistic or Asperger’s Child

1. Work with topic fixations.

Children with ASD often become fixated on a specific interest, such as trains, dinosaurs, or sports. As a parent and teacher, you can use these fixations to engage your child. They don’t have to be a hindrance, a distraction, or something that distances you from your child. Fixations are a window into your child’s mind. Find an aspect of your child’s current favorite topic that can relate to your lessons.

2. Share your power as the authority figure with your child.

Help increase your child’s confidence and decision-making skills by empowering him or her to participate in educational decisions. Let your child select a curriculum that includes topics of interest, appeals to visual strengths, and provides the kind of structure that works for him or her. Putting your child in this natural position of leadership also helps to develop critical thinking skills. It can keep you both focused and motivated to push through setbacks.

3. Encourage real-world socialization.

The question that often weighs the heaviest on the minds of parents of autistic children is: Will my child be able to function in the real world? Real-world socialization is another area where you can use your child’s topic-based fixations to make connections and enhance development. If your child is fixated on cars, take him or her to see a local mechanic; if the fixation is on a period in history, visit a museum. Your child will stay interested in learning and receive the socialization needed to integrate into the real world when the time comes.

4. Incorporate physical exercise.

Physical movement is crucial for kids with autism and should be done daily during your homeschool routine. Repetitive physical movements like jumping, pedaling a bicycle, or swinging can soothe your child while providing the sensory input needed to sit still and learn.

5. Stick to your schedule, but take frequent breaks.

Children with ASD often thrive on routine and structure. Having a daily schedule that is visually posted for your child to reference will be helpful. Keep in mind that your child will need frequent breaks to decompress, find sensory input, or simply take a break from learning. Create a “safe spot” filled with soothing items like books and music that your child can use just for these times. You can also use this spot as a reward if your child is having a meltdown or struggling to transition from one task to another.

6. Know when to ask for help.

This is perhaps the most important thing to remember. Undertaking the challenge of homeschooling a child with autism is a huge task, and it is important that you are never alone throughout the process. You will likely need help choosing curriculum, classes, and record-keeping when your child reaches high school. Be sure to find an accredited learning partner that can not only guide you through these important years and course requirements, but is also a curriculum expert, understands the unique needs of children with ASD, and can point you in the right direction toward classes and curriculums that will work for your unique learner.

Homeschooling your child with ASD can increase family time, help prepare your child for the real world, give you the flexibility you need to focus on therapies, and provide a safe, loving, exciting school experience. To get more tips for homeschooling a student with autism

Get Organized

Line up your ducks in a row before you get underway. Remember that kids with autism rarely go with the flow, and are likely to do best in a structured situation. Know which educational tools you’ll use, and have them ready. Know what therapies you’ll be providing, and how and when they’ll be provided. If you’re going out into the community, make plans. If you think you’ll need support or respite, line it up before you start feeling overwhelmed.

Start Slow

Line up a structured day, but don’t overwhelm yourself or a child with hours and hours of academic or therapeutic activity. When you’re working 1:1, a little goes a long way—and a trip to the playground, library, or park can certainly be built into your school day.

Consider a Child’s Learning Style

Most, but not all, children with autism learn best through a combination of direct instruction, visual and interactive learning, and hands-on experience. Many need a great deal of repetition and practice to master a concept or process. Some do well on computers while others are hands-on learners. Most do best when they know what’s coming next. Spend some time observing a child, experimenting, and stick with the learning tools that work best.

Include Academic and Social Teaching

All too often, schools neglect either academic or social teaching when working with autistic children. You’ll want to include both, designing each “program” to fit a child’s specific abilities, challenges, and interests. That may mean making playdates, joining groups, or getting involved (as possible) in teams, organizations, church groups, etc.

Keep Expectations Reasonable

While schools are required to include your school and provide accommodations and support, no one else is. A child (or you, on behalf of a child) may be interested in learning to dance, or joining a baseball team, but if the child has too many challenges or is disruptive to the organization, the teacher has the right to ask them to leave.

The best bet, depending on circumstances, is to address a child’s issues head-on ahead of time; if the organizer or instructor is very nervous about a child with autism, it’s best to avoid getting involved. Otherwise, consider finding an instructor who is more experienced with autistic children or “shadowing” the child in your care as needed.

Conclusion

Schools can be stressful for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). Many of the changes that affect other children don’t affect them, leaving them feeling alone and out of place.

Homeschooling offers an option for parents who wish to give their children the support and security of knowing they are an important part of a family. Most homeschoolers, with or without an ASD, agree that homeschooling is a great way to give a child the education they need in a setting that is more conducive to learning.

Autistic children have difficulties communicating with others and dealing with social situations. In a school setting, they often feel isolated and alone. Homeschooling offers a family with autistic children the opportunity to provide them with a supportive, educational environment.