Home School
The debate about home-schooling youngsters with autism has vocal advocates on both sides of the fence. Just as with the public school debate, I humbly submit that, because of the vast spectrum of autism and broad differences in family situations, it is inappropriate to make blanket statements such as “Parents should home school because no public schools have appropriate services for students with autism,” or, an opposite view, “Parents who home school are not in touch with reality.”
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Parents are wise to explore various education options, including public school, private school, and home school. The key to successful school experiences is an individualized education plan. Just as with public school and private school experiences, home school can be an enriching, successful adventure in learning, or it can be a disaster. Across the broad spectrum of needs inherent in autism, students thrive in different learning environments.
Each of my friends who home school their youngsters has different motivations for doing so. For example, a single parent of a high school student enjoys the quality of life for her family in a very small community. She is a certified teacher, an author, and music director for a church in a neighboring town. The total enrollment for grades K-12 in the school in her community was under 200 students, so developing a specialized educational plan for her son would be quite a challenge for the school. But she had no doubt that the school administrators and teachers were certainly willing to try. This mom did not choose home schooling in protest of lack of services or in frustration over funding or support, but, rather, because the home school scenario fit better with her life-style and interests and gifts.
Through patient trial and error, parents of a pre-teen with autism discovered their daughter does not fit into a slot in public or private school settings because of the huge gap between her academic skills and her social skills. She is a very bright and functions academically well ahead of her age group. But, in spite of significant classroom modifications and intensive therapy, she is unable to participate in any group learning experiences. Hypersensitivity to minute changes and to the mere presence of other people excites her to the point of screaming loudly, biting her hand, throwing any items within reach, and grabbing the hair of other people. But this precious youngster is able to remain calm in the familiar setting of home. Her parents, of course, are implementing strategies designed to help her curb her reaction to other people.
Granted, this is an unusual situation, but it illustrates the need for exploring all options when it comes to most appropriate schooling. We hope you will share your experiences, your frustrations, you ideas, or other thoughts about educational opportunities for youngsters with autism. Just click on the comments button or send an e-mail to talk@FAQautism.com.
NOTE TO READERS AND LISTENERS: I am Cathy Knoll, a board certified music therapist and long-time friend of many folks with autism. At FAQautism.com we are committed to providing free, practical, everyday tips for making life better for people with autism. Feel free to send me an email with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solution. Send email to talk@FAQautism.com And don’t forget to check out our website for a wealth of ideas and a glimpse into the world of autism. http://FAQautism.com
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