Pros And Cons Of Homeschooling An Autistic Child

When it comes to schooling for an autistic child, it can be hard to decide
between homeschooling and sending your child to school. We discuss pros and cons of both.

Pros and cons of homeschooling an autistic child

Navigating the school system when your child is autistic can be stressful and challenging. Relying on others to know your child as well as you do, understand how they communicate, their sensory issues and behaviours can be daunting. Naturally, because of this, many parents debate whether to homeschool their child. But what are the pros and cons of homeschooling? In this blog, we will explore this.

Pros of homeschooling an autistic child

1. Socialising
Going to school will provide your child with the tools and chance to socialise with other children which is a skillset that might be difficult to provide at home. Socialising is important and can help your child to feel confident and make friends with peers.

2. An opportunity for independence
Attending school gives your child some time independent from you and your family and independence can help your child to thrive in different environments away from the home, as well as build their confidence.

3. Flexibility
Homeschooling can be flexible and offer personalised learning for your child. You can create work for your child that is customised towards their personal needs and strengths and a work environment that is comfortable and supportive for them.

4. Reduced sensory issues
Homeschooling can help you to avoid sensory overload. The school environment can be too busy, noisy and bright for some children with autism, and this is something that you can manage and avoid at home. It can help them to feel more comfortable, confident and increase their ability to concentrate and learn.

5. Personal Safety
Personal safety can be a huge worry for parents of autistic children when sending them to school. Perhaps your child is an escape artist, can run away or has no danger awareness. At home, this is something that you can keep an eye on and monitor.

6. No IEP or EHCP?
If your child has an individual education plan or educational, health and care plan then you know that your child’s school should be aware of all their needs. However, if they do not, it can be difficult to trust that your local authority is educating your child with their individual needs at the forefront of teaching them. No one knows or cares for your child like you do and being at home might be the best thing for them if they struggle at school.

Cons of homeschooling an autistic child

1. Is it affordable?

Some parents will have to give up working to home educate their child, which could significantly change your lifestyle, where you can afford to live and what you can afford todo. There are financial implications to homeschooling, as you must not only factor in your ability to work, but the costs of teaching resources, usage of heating, electricity and use of the internet.

2. Do you have the patience that is required?

Being a parent and a teacher to your child requires a lot of patience and it is quite understandable if this is something you might struggle with. Not only do you need to set personal boundaries, but you need to set schooling boundaries as well. You need to be able to work with your child and support their learning, which is not always a simple thing to do.

3. Do you know what to teach?

It is recommended that you include subjects such as English, Maths, Science and
Information Technology if these meet your child’s needs. It is not compulsory to follow the National Curriculum, but you need to think of what you can teach your child, how to structure their education and help them progress towards meeting their full potential.

4. Do you have the right resources?

You might have limited resources at home and need to provide all the resources needed to teach your child. This is something to consider.

5. Will you get any time to rest?

Whilst school is not respite, for many parents it provides some breathing space and much needed time away from the stress that caring for a child with autism can bring. You might be at risk of burnout if you do not get any break from parenting and teaching.

Ultimately, it is up to you and your family to decide what is the best option for you. You need to weigh up the pros and the cons and speak to your child, if possible, to understand how they feel. You should speak to professionals involved in your child’s care to see what support is out there, be it in school or at home.