Asperger's Homeschooling

Teaching the Whole Child

Asperger's homeschooling can be done. Children do need to be taught social skills but this can be done with an understanding parent. Children can learn academics in ways that interest them. Home is a good place to teach the whole child.

Benefits of Asperger's Homeschooling

When our children are at home we have more control over them and their environment.

Children with Asperger's Syndrome tend to have sensory issues which can be controlled in the home. In the home we do not need to use florescent lighting. A home usually has less noise and smells. At home a child can choose what sit on or if he wants to sit.

It is easier to keep children on a special diet at home.

Another benefit of Asperger's homeschooling is that social interactions can be controlled by the parent. The parent can choose one or two peers for the child to interact with. The child can also connect with people who have similar interest as him.

Home is a safe environment. Children who feel safe can more easily do academics.

A Negative

When a child is taught in school they understand that the classroom is for learning. In the home it is tempting to homeschool in the living room or let the child do his work in the bedroom. Both the living room and bedroom have too many distractions. If at all possible it is important for children who are easily distracted to have a special place to homeschool. If you cannot spare a separate room for schooling use the dining room or set up a corner or a room for teaching.

Teaching Social Skills

One of the criteria for diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome (A.S.) is that the person is socially awkward and lacks empathy. Our homeschooling should include instruction in developing social skills.

One way is to talk about social situations. We can talk about what goes on at a youth group before our child goes. If we go with our children we can give suggestions of what they can do. We also need to talk about what went right and what went wrong after the meeting.

You can use social skill books such as;

• Social Skills Activities for Special Children by Darlene Mannix
• Navigating the Social World by McAfee
• The New Social Story Book by Carol Gray

In some locations there are social skills groups for people with Asperger's Syndrome.

Asperger's homeschooling should include teaching about facial expressions. One idea is to watch movies and TV programs with our children. We can then discuss the actor's different expressions. Another idea is to cut pictures out of magazines and make a facial expression book.

Communication can also be literal. It would be a good idea to go over some figures of speech and idioms

Homeschooling the Child with Asperger's Syndrome Real Help for Parents Anywhere and on Any Budget by Lise Pyles has facial expressions that you can copy. The book also has practical advice for homeschooling.

How to Give Instruction

Even though Children with A.S. have normal intelligence they can have verbal and auditory processing problems. To overcome the problems break down directions into small steps. Directions can also be written down so that they can see what to do.

Children can also have attention problems and be hyperactive. When I worked with children with special need I learned to tell them "eyes on me", when I was giving instruction. They also need to focus on the task that is to be done.

In Asperger's homeschooling it is also important to give short lessons. When your child has given a correct response praise him and give a small reward.

Academics

Sometimes children like to focus on one subject such as bugs or dinosaurs. You can use your child's interests to teach academics. Have your child read and write about bugs. Observe bugs for science. Use bug manipulative for math.

If your child has trouble with handwriting, have your child narrate the story. You could also use a speech to text program that will type his story onto the computer.

Computers present a non threatening way for children with A.S. to learn. You can either use educational games for a reward or use a computer program to teach academics.

Correct Behavior

We can prevent a lot of behavior by telling our child what is expected of them. When I was helping in the public school I used an outline of tasks that needed to be completed before a reward. If the child got off task I could point to what they were supposed to do. I would also remind them of the reward at the end.

I also used stop cards. If a child was misbehaving I would point to a stop sign on their desk. The child knew that they were to stop their behavior and focus on me or the task at hand.

We also used time out if the child started to have a temper tantrum.

Spiritual Training

Children who have disabilities can also learn about faith. We can teach our child about salvation. It is also important that they understand that their disability is not because God does not love them. We need to teach our children that God made them for a purpose.

High School and Beyond

Asperger's homeschooling can continue into the high school years. What you teach will depend on several factors. You and your child will want to determine what his goals and interests are. Also you will want to consider if he will be able to handle the social aspect of what he wants to do.

Working on social skill is important area for teens. Your teen will need to know how to act at a job or in a college setting. One way to work on social skills is to role play. Show your child how to act in a job interview.

Continue to teach your child spiritual truths. Help him develop Christian character.

Work on life skills such as cooking, cleaning, and balancing a checkbook.

When you are creative asperger's homeschooling can benefit the child.

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