Are you considering homeschooling your child with special needs? Are you already in the trenches and feeling like you aren’t doing well? This show could be a lifesaver.

Mary Ellen has been there, and Ginny has a wealth of knowledge to bring to the subject. Let’s tackle the five things you need to know about homeschooling a child with special needs.

Five Things You Should Know About Homeschooling a Child with Special Needs

*** Stay tuned to the end of the show to hear our big announcement. ***

First, the Big Things You Should Know…

about homeschooling your child with special needs. 

What do we mean by special needs? 

When we speak about children who have educational issues outside the norm, we mean children who have been diagnosed with a neurological or physical condition that impairs learning or makes learning particularly challenging in some way.

How to get a diagnosis – and how not to.

The how-NOT-to is on social media. If you ask a question, people may respond based on their own experience – BUT they don’t know the facts of your case.

Let’s say you tell little Johnny to put his navy-blue shirt on, and he comes out with his maroon one. He seems to do this all the time. 

● He could have attention deficit disorder. 

● He could have a hearing loss. 

● He could have an auditory processing disorder.

● He could be colorblind. 

● Or it could be nothing to be concerned about at all.

See a professional if you are worried. If $ is a problem, you can often get an evaluation from your local public school district.

Five Essential Things You Should Know

1. You Can Do This

There is a myriad of resources to help you navigate your student’s challenges. You don’t need a degree in special ed; you are an expert in your child. 

2. Sometimes, Doing Less is More

With a challenged child, sometimes doing less is more. It may take a challenged child longer to graduate than the typical 12 years. That’s fine. If you need to go an extra year or even two, there are no worries about that. 

3. Life Skills can be as Critical as Academic Skills

There are certain special needs children for whom life skills are just as critical as academic skills. They may not be able to do algebra, but they need to know how to count up change in the grocery store, navigate a bus route, or cook for themselves. 

4. Routines and Rhythms

Creating a daily routine or rhythm can be extremely helpful. If your child learns what to expect and when there is a lot less anxiety, that makes learning much easier. 

5. Asking for Help is Not a Failure

Sometimes, you need the services of an expert, be that a speech therapist or a reading specialist. You are still directing the education of your child, and you are still the manager.

Special Announcement. 

When we started this podcast over a year ago, we were filled with ideas and enthusiasm, and the past year has been a great blessing. Still, we are starting to get a wee bit burnt out, so to keep the episodes you enjoy coming along, we will make some changes. 

First, we are taking a hiatus for a few months to regain our bearings. 

Beginning January 1st, we will be on break until March 1st. This breather will give us time to catch up on some neglected projects and write new material for upcoming podcast episodes.

Next, we are changing from a weekly format to an every-other-week format. 

This format change is for a couple of reasons.

1. We don’t want you to look at your inbox, see it full of us, and be exasperated. It’s hard to listen every week, and if you feel behind, you might not be inclined to stick with us. 

2. The other reason is that we feel much more energized when we have that little break. 

We hope you will start tuning in again in March when we come out of the gate with all kinds of new material. In the meantime, there are about 60 episodes you can listen to in our archive if you miss the sound of our New York accents.

Homeschool Resources

Seton Home Study School

Seton Testing Services