The Authors vii
Acknowledgments xiii
Foreword xv
Introduction 1
1 Questions About Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) 3
1 What Is ASD and How Do the Core Areas of Impairment Affect Students in a Traditional School Setting? 3
2 Is There Peer-Reviewed Research That Supports Homeschooling for Students with ASD? 12
3 Why Do Some Families of Children with ASD Consider Homeschooling? 17
2 Questions About Homeschooling 27
4 What Are the Different Types of Homeschooling? 27
5 How Do Parents Choose the Right Type of Homeschool Program for Their Child? 36
6 What Are the Reported Advantages of Homeschooling Children with ASD? 41
7 What Are the Challenges of Homeschooling Children with ASD? 50
3 Questions About Resources for Homeschoolers 67
8 What Supports, Resources, and Curricula Are Available and How Can Families Access Them? 67
9 What Special Education Services Is My Child Entitled to If I Choose to Homeschool? 88
10 How Should a Family Get Started with Homeschooling? 91
4 Questions About Teaching Strategies 101
11 How Should the Core Deficits of Social Skills and Social Thinking Be Addressed? 101
12 How Can Social Opportunities Be Incorporated into the Homeschooler’s Day? 111
13 How Should the Core Deficits in Organizational Skills and Thinking Be Addressed? 117
14 How Can Interests Be Incorporated into Instruction? 131
15 How Should the Daily Schedule Be Designed? 136
16 How Can Parents Address Behavioral Issues? 141
17 How Can Parents Determine the Appropriate Accommodations and Modifications That are Necessary for Curricular Success? 168
5 Questions About Transition 179
18 When Should Parents Consider a Transition Back to Traditional Educational Settings or Programs and How Is This Done? 179
19 How Should a Family Plan for Transition to College? 185
20 What Are Other Postsecondary Options Besides College? 194
6 Questions for Homeschooling Parents 199
Interview with Janelle Lewis 199
Interview with Karen Crum 203
Interview with Connie Ajay 205
Interview with Michelle King 207
Interview with Ann Coe 208
7 Questions for Homeschooled Children on the Autism Spectrum 213
Interview with Ben—Age Eleven 213
Interview with Bobby—Age Thirteen 215
Interview with Katie—Age Fifteen 218
Interview with Ian—Age Seventeen 219
Glossary of Terms and Acronyms 223
Notes 243
Index 253
Patricia Schetter, M.A., is an educational consultant and instructor for the Special Studies in Autism program through UC Davis and the M.I.N.D. Institute. Kandis Lighthall, M.A., is an educational consultant and teacher educator with more than 30 years' experience in special education.
"This book will be invaluable to families choosing or considering a
homeschooling option for their child with ASD. In an easily
accessible question-and-answer format, the authors provide
practical advice and a wealth of resources that will get parents
started, support them through common challenges, and help them
create a curriculum that meets not only the academic but also the
social and behavioral needs of their child. This book provides a
beacon of hope to families struggling with educational options for
their child."
—Sally Ozonoff, Ph.D., endowed professor, University of
California–Davis, M.I.N.D. Institute "This is an excellent
sourcebook helping parents make informed decisions about
homeschooling their children with ASD. Parents will learn how to
schedule lessons across the day to incorporate social and academic
learning in an environment that balances sensory and mental health
needs. All parents, even those not considering homeschooling, will
fi nd this book helpful, as it encourages us to foster active
learning in the home environment."
—Michelle Garcia Winner, founder of the Social Thinking treatment
approach and speech language pathologist, San Jose, CA "A must read
for parents and teachers who need guidance and encouragement while
teaching children with ASD!"
—Cathy Stenzel, mother of son with autism "I appreciated reading
well-researched information on the home school experience that
actually follows the rules."
—Diane Youtsey, director of special education, Eureka (CA) Union
School District "This book is a ‘life-line’ to parents who
homeschool children with autism. The authors have wonderful
insight, recommendations, and thoughtful ideas for these
parents."
—Debbie Baehler, autism specialist, Lassen County (CA) Offi ce of
Education
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