Autism and Education: A Home or Mainstream School Decision
Autism and Education: A Home or Mainstream School Decision
As a specialized SEO content creator for Google, I often face the challenge of providing valuable and SEO-friendly content. In this article, I explore the decision-making process for parents of autistic children when choosing between homeschooling and mainstream schooling. By sharing our family's experience, I hope to offer a valuable perspective on what might be best for your own child.
Our Journey: Homeschooling vs. Mainstream Education
My son, who is now eight years old, is autistic with language and social delays. This diagnosis brought about a range of decisions, including whether to homeschool or send him to a mainstream school. The pros and cons of each option are highly personal, and our story can provide some insight into what might work best for you.
Homeschooling Our Autistic Son
I made the decision to homeschool my son and his two brothers from the first grade through eighth grade. This choice allowed me to focus on meeting his specific needs and struggles, giving him the time to work through them. From my experience, a classroom setting often requires teachers to consider the needs of all students, which can sometimes be challenging for those with additional learning needs.
By eighth grade, both my child and I were ready for a change. The last year of our homeschool journey, I shifted to teaching technology, recognizing that my son was having difficulty separating me from his teacher. The following year, we enrolled him in a private school that boasted of treating their students like a family and promised to adapt to their needs without an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Mainstream School Experience
Some of the teachers in this private school did an excellent job, but others' adaptation efforts involved removing anything the students did not enjoy. This approach did not align with our home's teaching philosophy, leading us to reintroduce an IEP for the final two years at our local high school. This decision proved invaluable, as it allowed my son to participate in a program after high school that required an IEP. Additionally, my son found his passion for videography through an elective course.
Adapting to Your Child's Needs
Based on our experience, my advice is to adapt your child's learning environment as they grow and learn. Find the best learning atmosphere for your child and help them discover their passion and purpose. Do not underestimate their abilities and push gently, allowing them to be who they are. Love them unconditionally.
If You Choose to Homeschool
If you decide to homeschool your child, make sure to make time for yourself. Leading your child's education can be challenging and may lead to burnout. For me, finding a homeschool community at my church and through a hybrid program was invaluable. Additionally, plan breaks for yourself to recharge and maintain your well-being.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the decision to homeschool or enroll your autistic child in a mainstream school depends on various factors. Consider your child's specific needs, your capacity to adapt their learning environment, and the social skills that your child might benefit from in a school setting. If your child prefers homeschooling, find ways to ensure their social development and provide opportunities for them to interact with others.
By engaging your child in conversations about their preferences and ensuring they have a balanced life, you can make an informed decision that will benefit your child's overall well-being.