Don't get me wrong: homeschooling a child with autism can be a fabulous choice. But for some families, it's the wrong choice. Here are some of the "down sides" to homeschooling a child on the autism spectrum.
1. Homeschooling a child with autism can lead to a lot of legal red tape.
Homeschooling laws vary from state to state. It’s critically important to review your state’s homeschooling laws to find out what your obligations are as a homeschooler and what services are available to your child if you pull him out of school. You may find that your obligations are so onerous that it’s just not worth the effort.2. Homeschooling child with autism can be exhausting.
No matter how good you are at figuring out your child’s learning style and teaching him, you’ll be working very hard at engaging your child, helping him through roadblocks, engaging him with other kids, driving him to therapies… in short, it’s not an easy road.3. Homeschooling a child with autism means you’ll have to do a lot of research.
There is no “best curriculum” for a child with autism, but there are many curricula available for homeschoolers in general. Like any homeschooling parent, you’ll need to sort through the options and experiment: there’s no quick-and-easy “autism friendly” option.4. Homeschooling a child with autism can be frustrating.
You work like crazy to find the right projects, curricula, activities and therapists – but even so, teaching your child can feel like slogging through mud. And sometimes you’ll find that your best efforts are rewarded by meltdowns.5. Homeschooling a child with autism means no time for yourself.
Thought it was tough to find time for housework, exercise or socializing when your child was at school? Get ready to meet the giant dust bunny from the black lagoon!6. Homeschooling a child with autism means a LOT of planning
Homeschooling a child with autism involves a lot of planning for social interaction. That’s because you must be intentional not only about academic education but also about social and communications education. Being out of school does not have to mean being alone – but it’s challenging to find social settings that work well for your child with autism.7. Homeschooling a child with autism can be lonely.
Sure, you can get together with other families and kids, but chances are your child won’t make friends easily – and you’ll spend a lot of your time 1:1 with your child with little adult interaction.8. Homeschooling a child with autism can destroy your career.
If you’re able to work at night, share the homeschooling load, or otherwise work around your child’s needs, you may be able to continue working while you homeschool. Most parents, however, find it’s just not possible. That means the loss of income, adult socialization, and any reason to put on something besides blue jeans.9. Homeschooling a child with autism can be expensive.
In some cases, therapies offered through the school disappear when you choose to homeschool. That may mean that you will now be paying out of pocket (or through insurance) for speech, occupational therapy and social skills programs. If your child has been receiving intensive programs such as ABA and you want to continue with a therapist, you may be digging deeply indeed to pay for such services.
