After one month of homeschooling my 12 year old son with autism, we are concluding our studies and preparing to re-enter the school system.
If you've read my past posts, you know I very much love homeschooling my son Ian. The list of improvements is quite long, and many of them are exclusive to his being home and my ability to completely tailor our work to match his strengths, abilities and interests.
For example, he is rarely sensory overloaded. The house is kept quiet all day, minus the noise we are making, and he is rarely fatigued, so stimulatory behaviors and other oddities that used to be normal are no longer - and I couldn't be happier (nor could the rest of the house!)
Despite those benefits, I want him to attend school for the benefits exclusive to that setting. I know it's a trade-off, so I talked to Ian about it and he too wants to go to school. (he told me homeschool is boring, which, I must say, made me laugh because I thought I was a lot of fun).
The classroom we chose is really ideal for his current needs. It looks like he'll review and revisit skills and concepts he already has mastered, while learning to expand on those and learn new ones. There is more visual support then paintings in an art gallery and the teacher has a firm grasp of the strategies used to teach children with autism. What more can I ask for?
For any of you that are believers in 100% inclusion 100% of the time, you'll be disappointed to know this is a classroom of up to 6 students and it is not mainstream. When able, the students integrate into mainstream and have inclusive gym/art/lunch, etc.
I'm a huge fan of inclusion, but he's not ready yet; plain and simple. Hopefully though, this class will bring us one step closer to his being able to mainstream more frequently.
I've been quite sad about our decision, as I've never had the opportunity to spend this much time, one to one, with Ian and I've learned so much about him - probably more then he has learned from me, 'the teacher'.
But then I remind myself that I don't have to stop homeschooling or working on the goals we've chosen, I can still do that... it will just take some minor adjustments.
So, wish us luck and cross your fingers that, once he returns (can be a few weeks yet), I'll be able to compensate and support him enough to off-set the demands and tasks of school, while being able to continue working on real-life.
What do you think - would you continue with the homeschooling or would you make the change back- don't be shy, speak your mind and share your opinion to help me and others on this site!
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Homeschooling Over
We kind of had the same dillema, except with our typical son. We were homeschooling, only a short time however, due to Cheyanne's difficulties. We had to make a decision to put Blake (age 7, the older of our 2 kids) in school so that we could focus more intensively on Cheyanne and her special needs. When they were both home, neither child was able to get any attention as they could not learn together and seperately, when busy with one, of course the other wanted me. It was a tough decision but now both are thriving - Blake in school and Cheyanne in her one-on-one intensive program at home that we designed for her. I too had to make a decision this year for Cheyanne (age 5) on whether or not to put her in Kindergarten. I don't think socially she's ready for it but I committed to only one full day per week and consider that part of her developmental program, to be away from me (whom she is very attached) and have the opportunity to be around other kids her age. She has adjusted well and LOVES riding the bus!! Cheyanne is not in 100% inclusion either. She goes to a rural school whose total school population is 29 kids grade K-7. It's perfect. I wouldn't have put her in school otherwise. Same as your school, I have asked for her to be encouraged to participate in gym, crafts and recess/lunch. They are so great there and very informal and flexible. I get to give a lot of input. Congratulations on your decision! When you believe it is best for your child, then it is a good decision. On a humorous note, Blake says he's quitting school after grade 3 and coming back to homeschool (he's in grade 2). Well, we'll see if he remembers that next year. Personally, I think he's having way too much fun!! Hugs Michaela (Mom to Cheyanne age 5 Epilepsy/Autism and Blake age 7)