I decided that i would like to home school my son with autism.?

Question

does anyone who homeschools there children can give me any info on how to start the process. i live in tennessee and i know that the parent has to have a high school diploma or a ged required by law to teach the children. my son is 8 years old. i know he needs books. i'm wondering if i'm required to teach him out of special needs books or just a 3rd grade texts for homeschoolers. if anyone can direct me on where to start first. i would really appreciate it

Answer 1

For the legal aspects go to:

http://www.hslda.org/laws/analysis/Tenne...

I would look for a good support network of homeschooling moms online.  Sonlight.com has great forums  where seasoned homeschool moms can answer all your specific questions about homeschooling and autism. Best of luck to you. You son is blessed to have you as his mom!

Warm Regards,

Jana

http://www.purehomeschooling.com

http://www.summerhouseliving.com

Answer 2

Good for you, I homeschool my kids with autism and it's been the best thing ever. I would use regular textbooks. I'd suggest those that are really hands on, visual learning styles like Math U See, and Edmark Reading.

Focus on those basic skills for a while. And contact your local homeschool groups for support and better suggestions on how to homeschool in TN. Good luck!

Answer 3

1) You need to notify the superintendent before August 1.

2) You need to keep records of his attendance (4 hours a day for 180 days) and of his work.

3) You choose whatever resources you wish--you can make your own things or purchase things; it's entirely up to you. Because he is autistic, you don't have to worry about the Tennessee regulations concerning the testing in grades 5, 7 and 9--although he'd still have to do the tests, they won't make a fuss at him not being close to grade level so you really can design a program that will meet his abilities and not worry about meeting TN curriculum. (It sounds like if you were to sign up with an umbrella school, you might not have to do the testing at all.)

I'd really, really recommend that you find a support group (I don't consider Y!A a support group :) ) There are three listed on this site http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/regi...  Lots of possibilities came up here http://groups.yahoo.com/search?query=ten...

I would add in specifically a support group for homeschooling autistic children. Some are listed here http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/webl...  in the section "Online."