Homeschooling, even before COVID, was the right choice for many families to ensure their children received an individualized teaching and learning approach. During COVID, many more families have decided homeschooling is best to meet their needs, including those children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). As an occupational therapist, I know that each child with ASD perceives and interacts with the world in unique ways and, as a result, requires a unique approach to education. Below are tools for homeschooling a child with ASD, including practical strategies to meet your child’s behavior, learning, and social skill needs and unlock their full potential.
USE OF VISUALs WHILE homeschooling a child with ASD
Children with ASD benefit from a variety of visual supports in their learning environment. Presenting instructions visually and verbally is an important tool for homeschooling a child with ASD. Using these two methods of information delivery through videos and pictures delivery also increases the likelihood that they will process the information you are providing them.
Controlled Choices
Having some control of their day is an effective tool for homeschooling a child with ASD. For example, if you and your child are getting ready to practice writing their name, allow them a simple choice such as selecting either the blue crayon or purple marker. If you have flexibility built into your day, enable them to pick between two activities on the homeschool agenda. You can use this strategy to promote engagement in preferred and non-preferred activities and give your child a sense of autonomy.
Consider the Environment
The learning environment can facilitate success or become a barrier for an individual with ASD. Take a moment to check out your learning space:
- What sensory information are you getting from the environment?
- Are the lights bright?
- Is the child busy learning posters on the walls?
- Can they hear the hum of an appliance and even the clock ticking?
Different people have different sensory preferences and sensitivities, but this sensory information may distract your child. Modifying the environment is an important tool for homeschooling a child with ASD.
BREAK IT DOWN!
When you pick an activity for your child, think about giving them a “just-right” challenge, which consists of modifying an activity to let your child be successful and have a positive learning experience. One of the most common strategies to support children with ASD is to break down an activity into smaller, more manageable steps. For example, when the child is doing a tissue paper mosaic craft then focus on the first step of tearing the tissue paper. Afterward, remove the extra tissue paper and demonstrate the next step. Task breakdown as a tool for homeschooling a child with ASD can also be used routines (such as getting ready for lunch), self-care (getting dressed), or even social situations.
MOVE AROUND
Consider incorporating flexible seating opportunities into your learning space. You could allow your child to stand up to work or allowing them to lay on their belly when reading.
Heavy work (sometimes called proprioceptive input) can have a regulating effect on a child’s sensory system. If your child loves to jump, pull, hug, crash, bump into or lean on you, this may be why! When you notice your child getting wiggly, try an intentional heavy work break. Try pushing in the chairs, moving heavy books, jumping, marching, or dancing. Regulating movement activities are great to get your child ready to learn before engaging them in a challenging learning experience. As a bonus: Gross motor skills are essential for the development of fine motor skills! While you decide to do some wheelbarrow walking for a heavy work break, you also build strong shoulder stability for handwriting!
Your Family’s Well-Being
Studies show that parents of children with ASD experience more stress than families with neurotypical children. Find support if it becomes necessary. Even though you are homeschooling, you can often collaborate with your local public school district for resources and connections to related services. Is your child already receiving therapy services? Connect with their provider for support and ideas for carryover within your home. The benefit of this relationship can be immense. Studies show that collaboration between parents and specialists can have cognitive, social, and emotional benefits: A win-win for the whole family. Another invaluable resource is other parents who have children with ASD. Find a community to connect with and relate to, either locally or virtually.
Sources:
Hoefman, R., Payakachat, N., van Exel, J., Kuhlthau, K., Kovacs, E., Pyne, J., & Tilford, J. M. (2014). Caring for a child with autism spectrum disorder and parents’ quality of life: Application of the CarerQol. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 44, 1933–1945.
Koenig, K. P., Buckely-Reen, A., & Garg, S. (2012). Efficacy of the get ready to learn yoga program among children with autism spec- trum disorders: A pretest–posttest control group design. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 66, 538–546. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ ajot.2012.004390
Singh, N. N., Lancioni, G. E., Manikam, R., Winton, A. S. W., Singh, A. N. A., Singh, J., & Singh, A. D. A. (2011). A mindfulness-based strategy for self-management of aggressive behavior in adolescents with autism. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 5, 1153–1158. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2010.12.012
Whitbread, K. M., Bruder, M. B., Fleming, G., & Park, H. J. (2007). Collaboration in special education. Teaching Exceptional Children, 39(4), 6-14.
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