Some say there is an epidemic of Autism, some say there isn't. I definitely lean toward the epidemic side. Statistics show that 1 in 150 children are on the autistic spectrum, when a mere 20 years ago, it was 1 in 10,000. That is a gigantic jump in a short amount of time. Autism is affecting us everyday in many ways. Here are resources to assist families in learning about autism and tips for homeschooling your child with autism.
1. Autism Awareness Printables
Beverly Hernandez
April is Autism Awareness Month and April 2nd is World Autism Day. My 5 year old grandson has autism, so I am honored to help you and your children understand autism. Don't be afraid of children with autism, reach out to them and get to know them. You'll be glad you did.
2. World Autism Day - from Julee Huy, Homeschool Mom
Beverly Hernandez
You might remember my daughter, Julee Huy, who used to write the Homeschool Daze Blog hosted here on the About.com Homeschooling site. She shared this letter with us on the first World Autism Day, April 2nd, 2008.
3. Early Intervention - Getting a Diagnosis
Beverly Hernandez
Being your child's advocate is something that I haven't understood until now. If you read Julee's blog post, "Where I've Been," you'll understand what I'm talking about. Let's get it on record that I am Julee's biggest fan and supporter. Being her mother, I've had an inside view of what she's going through with her son and I share in her concerns.
4. Sample Homeschool Schedules for Children with Autism
Need help setting up your daily schedule? Homeschoolers generally have a lot of freedom in setting up their schedule, but it sometimes takes a while to find out what works best for your family. It's helpful to hear about what others are doing. Here are some of the daily schedules shared by the members of the homeschool forum. The following schedules are specific to homeschooling and autism:- Schedule for 3 children - ADHD, gifted and autism
- Schedule for Special Needs - Autism, Dyslexia and ADHD
- Homeschooling Day by Day - homeschooling in the middle of "autism"
5. Printable Special Needs Forms
Beverly Hernandez
These forms were designed to help track behavior changes in children with Autism or other special needs. The forms can be added to your child's homeschool file or portfolio. If you have needs for other forms or forms you use that will help other parents, let me know and I'll do my best to add them.
6. Do you homeschool your child with autism?
Parents helping parents... Sharing your story can be encouraging to other parents that are homeschooling their autistic child or are considering it. Do you have a "golden nugget" to share or maybe an encouraging word? What advice would you give to someone considering homeschooling their autistic child? What methods have worked for you? What has been your biggest obstacle?7. Homeschooling Grandmothers
I received the following responses from grandmothers who are willing to share their stories of how they are involved in the homeschooling of their grandchildren with autism. I hope you enjoy their stories.- Meet Grandma Pam - Homeschooling autistic grandson
- Meet Grandma Linda Cage - Conquering the world one subject at a time! Linda homeschools her special needs grandson.
8. Homeschooling Carnival: Autism Edition
Beverly Hernandez
Much like homeschooling, having an autistic child is a whole new world. It becomes a way of life. The entire family is affected and the family generally takes on a whole new dynamic. I chose to focus this Carnival of Homeschooling on Autism since it has become such a big part of my life.
