Children with Special Needs

Can be Homeschooled

Homeschooling children with special needs can be difficult. Yet, it can and is done. I have homeschooled my children who struggle with learning. How? You will need patience, a sense of humor, and faith in God.

You Can Teach Your Children

Homeschooling is legal in all fifty states. You will need to follow your states requirements. You can find your state's requirements on the HSLDA website. Homeschooling is also legal in many foreign countries.

The Disabilities

  ADHD / ADD

It is possible to teach children who have ADHD/ ADD At home there is less distractions. Your child can take breaks when they need it. They can stand when you are talking about a lesson. They can practice their math facts while jumping rope. My page on ADD and ADHD has more teaching ideas.

Some boys learn latter than girls and are more active. In school they may be diagnosed as ADHD/ADD. It is possible to homeschooling active boys

Dyslexia

I have the most experience homeschooling children who are dyslexic or have mild learning disabilities. Besides struggling with learning children with dyslexia can have social and emotional problems. We can help children with dyslexia overcome their difficulties.

A fun way to help children learn is to play games. There are games for dyslexia that will help your child learn.

Autism

There are benefits to homeschooling children with autism.  You can control your child's environment. You can also set a routine that works for your family. You will be able to individualize his learning. 

Asperger's Syndrome

Like autism children with Asperger's syndrome can be homeschooled. A lot of children with Asperger's syndrome have an interest in one or two subjects such as trains or dinosaurs. We can use our child's interest to help them learn academics.

When you teach your child at home you will be able to teach him about what you value and believe.

Girls

Girls can also have learning difficulties and special needs. Sometimes they go undiagnosed because they are usually more quiet and compliant than boys. We can make learning meaningful for our girls. Here are some ideas.

Individualized Learning

You are the person to individualize your child's learning. Use his interest to develop curriculum. Your child will have a reason to learn. He will want to read, write, and do math. Learning will still be difficult for your child, but he will be motivated.

There are many ways to motivate your child to read, write, and do math.

You can teach to your child's learning style. How does your child learn best? Does he like to do hand-on projects? Does he like to watch movies? Use his learning style to help him learn.

You will be able to teach your child one on one. In the public school your child might have an IEP, but he may not have one on one instruction.

All Children are Teachable

All children are teachable children just need the right environment. School may not be the right environment for your child. In school most children who have special needs have to leave the classroom to go to therapy or the resource room. If your child has to leave when the class is doing history, science, or art, your child will miss the lesson.

Thomas Edison's teacher thought that he was addled or confused. Yet, Thomas learned at home. Your child may still have difficulty with academics. Yet, you can still teach him about God, and how to be responsible.

Some children are gifted in one subject or another. Others are gifted in music, art, or sports. Homeschooling the gifted child can give him time to pursue his interests.

Peer Pressure

When you teach your child at home there will be less peer pressure. Your child will not be teased because he is different. As an aid in the school system I have seen children teased. I have seen children with special needs picked on because they did not fit in.

You can control your child's interaction with others. You can introduce people into your child's life who will be friends. Since you know your child's interests you can find people who have similar interests. You can observe how people interact with your child. You can remove anyone who is not acting appropriate.

Curriculum and Supplies

Finding the best homeschooling curriculum will depend on your child. Some do well with a hand-on unit study. Some like to use a computer.

You can also modify your homeschool curriculum to fit your child's learning style and ability.

Teaching to your child's interests and abilities can make homeschooling fun. Computer games can make learning facts fun.

How to Provide Therapy

When you are homeschooling a child with a disability you may need some special training especially if your child is non-verbal.

Your child may need speech or other therapy. If you do not want use the school district for therapy there are other options.

5 Tips 

1. According to Jesus your child's disability is not because of his sin or a sin of yours (John 9:1-7).
2. Take one day at a time and have fun. Remember that your child did not learn to walk or talk in a day. He will learn to read and do math in a similar way. Slow and steady.
3. Find out as much as you can about your child's disability. See how others are educating their children. I have found several articles about how others teach their struggling children in homeschool magazines.
   
4. Get some support. Find a support group in your area. Another idea is to use the internet. I use twitter, facebook, and read other people's blogs. There is several ways to overcome homeschool burnout. Finding support is one of them.
5. Remind yourself of the different advantages of homeschooling your child.

When you homeschool your child with special needs you will want to modify the curriculum and how you teach.

Here are some more articles that might interest you;

Homeschool Mom  Here are some ideas to keep mom committed to teaching her children.

How to homeschool book. Here is a list of books about teaching your children. Some of the books deal with special needs.

Homeschool Materials Ideas for making your own games and flash cards.

Socialization Most homeschool families are involved in many activities.

Cooperative Some families find support in cooperatives.

Homeschoooling Myths There are solutions to the myths about homeschooling that people believe.

Benefits to Homeschooling. When you are depressed about homeschooling it is a good idea to think of the benefits. Here is a list of 25.

How to Homeschool  Here are some general ideas for teaching your children.

Homeschool Problems We all encounter different problems from time to time.

Homeschool Dads  Encourage your husband to get involved with sharing their faith and interests.

Summer Homeschooling Here are some activities to do in the summer.

Homeschool Cooking Class.  Cooking can be a way to interest your child in school subjects.

Homeschool field trips  Download my checklist of things to talk about to your children and items to take with you.

Hopefully you have found some tips that will help you. There are more tips for teaching in my math and language arts sections.

There are many different special needs. Most can cause problems with learning.

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