Resources for Homeschooling Special Needs

Homeschooling is an exciting journey, a lifestyle change, and a different road entirely for any family.  The decision to take your child’s education into your own hands is intimidating, enlightening, freeing, and even stressful, regardless of how much they may excel in certain subjects or feel challenged in others.  

However, perhaps you have an amazing special needs child.  If you feel that homeschooling is a good option for your child, you may still feel unsure or hesitant.  That’s completely normal! It’s a big decision, and while any homeschooling family’s journey is not “run-of-the-mill,” homeschooling a child with unique needs will also bring unique experiences.

We’ve talked with several parents homeschooling special needs, and more often than not, they view homeschooling as a great alternative to the traditional school setting.  Here are some of the most common reasons why homeschooling special education could potentially be a good option for your child.

Important Reasons to Homeschool Your Child with Special Needs

Parents understand their children better than anyone else, and that certainly still applies to families with special needs children.  It will always be a good thing to seek help and advice when you’re struggling, but we want to remind you to not discount your abilities simply as this child’s parents.  It’s true, parents don’t know everything and could always use a helping hand. Please don’t be afraid to ask when you need it. However, quite often, when it comes to extra needs such as children who are dyslexic or those with Prader-Willi syndrome, parents feel convinced that they couldn’t possibly educate their child at home.

We’re here to let you know that you CAN.  It certainly won’t be easy, and it will come with its own set of challenges.  Consult professionals as you need — we all know it takes a village to raise a child.  But also remember that no one loves your child as you do. Similarly, no one knows their strengths or weaknesses quite as you do.  Just those thoughts alone are ample qualifications for considering the homeschool journey with your special needs child.

Special Needs Homeschooling

  • Homeschooling focuses on their strengths.
    • You can encourage these strengths and passions, as well as explore opportunities for further growth!
  • Homeschooling can help limit bullies. 
    • While naturally, you don’t want to isolate your child, it’s a simple fact that public schools are teeming with bullies.  Children are often unkind to anyone different. With homeschooling, you can help encourage positive social interactions through safe environments with friends from homeschool support groups.
  • Homeschooling offers flexibility. 
    • The flexibility of your own schedule provides the chance to further explore fascinating topics, spend longer on certain lessons as needed, or even call off school for a day or two if that is beneficial.
  • Homeschooling can help decrease anxiety. 
    • It’s increasingly common to hear about the anxiety children are experiencing concerning their schools.  It’s true that several factors are accountable in these situations, however, if your child is prone to anxiety, homeschooling may be a good option for lowering those stress levels.
  • Homeschooling allows for one-on-one teaching. 
    • Not only can this direct guidance prove beneficial for explanations or working through difficult spots, but it can lessen distractions as well.  Children with autism or Down Syndrome may do especially well with fewer distractions for working through lessons.

10 Practical Special Education Homeschooling Resources

Regardless of whether your child is on the autism spectrum or has an autoimmune disease, homeschool can be a beneficial education and lifestyle choice.  To get started, we have collected several fantastic resources. Here, you’ll find a mix of encouragement, curriculum ideas, answers, legal information, and more.

Tips for Homeschooling Special Needs