Guest guest Posted March 2, 2010 Report Share Posted March 2, 2010 Rose, Go with your gut on this one. We can all give you great advice about what worked for our children, but nobody knows your son like you do. It really depends on the child, the program and what works best for your family. Some will tell you school is best. Some will tell you home is best. Our ASD son is 3yrs 8mo and diagnosed at just under 18 months old. We tried a school based ABA program and it was horrible for our son, so we switched to in-home and he did great! We started pre-school in August last year and he wasn't learning anything and after 4 weeks at school, I picked him up from school one day and said " Hi Buddy, mommy missed you today, I love you " He responded with " I yuh you " and when I said " lets go byebye " he said " go byebye " and the teacher, not an Aid, said, " oh, he can talk " , another one was he goes potty on the potty if we take him every 30-45 minutes, and one day an Aid said, " oh, he went potty on the potty today " . A few more things happened to let me know that this particular program (SDC) was not going to be beneficial for our son. He was obviously not given the oportunity to talk and show his skills. We pulled him and continued with an in-home program and I have not regrets. He would never be as far as he is if I had left him at school. You may want to give in-home a try and see how it works. You may be surprised. You can always go back to a school based program, possibly a different one, if in-home doesn't work for him. It's never to late to try something new. Remember NOBODY knows your son like you do and NOBODY cares about your child like you do! Good luck! Sandy From: Rose Rudolph <roserudolph55@...> Subject: Home-based vs. school autism treatment , mb12 valtrex , Date: Tuesday, March 2, 2010, 6:57 AM  I was wondering if I could get some opinions. We have never done a formal home based therapy program, my son was diagnosed at 2 1/2 and we started preschool at age 3. He's now 7 and is still in the public school system. He made no progress since starting at age 3. He is still non-verbal, still very aggressive, still only glueing, cutting, painting, swinging in the OT room and taking walks in the halls. Everytime I try to take him out everyone in our families has a fit, and is disappointed in us. (I only care a little bit) But my husband is really wanting to keep him in school too. He said he'll support whatever I choose, I guess I can't really choose. I was wondering if you guys think that maybe a home-based program would work better, since he's not distracted by sooooooo many things, that really set him off! which is why he can't learn in my opinion. My opinion is that school just isn't for everyone. what do you guys do? Rose Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 2, 2010 Report Share Posted March 2, 2010 I homeschool despite the lack of enthusiasm of my husband and the disbelief all the way to contempt of relatives. I had a double mastectomy 2 months ago and my greatest fear (of cancer) was that I would not be able to finish homeschooling my girls. It IS hard, especially with special needs kids, but I would think no harder than dealing with what schools want (I am a former elem. teacher). I feel my girls (from Russia, each with special issues, we're at round 6 of chelation, & have done many other things) would not have thrived in a school setting. The bottom line: thee is SO MUCH SUPPORT from other homeschoolers, that you will thrive! I drive an hour & a half away one-way, every week, because I'm determined that my girls be raised able to have friends who are being raised with similar values. It can be done! > > I was wondering if I could get some opinions. We have never done a formal home based therapy program, my son was diagnosed at 2 1/2 and we started preschool at age 3. He's now 7 and is still in the public school system. He made no progress since starting at age 3. He is still non-verbal, still very aggressive, still only glueing, cutting, painting, swinging in the OT room and taking walks in the halls. Everytime I try to take him out everyone in our families has a fit, and is disappointed in us. (I only care a little bit) But my husband is really wanting to keep him in school too. He said he'll support whatever I choose, I guess I can't really choose. I was wondering if you guys think that maybe a home-based program would work better, since he's not distracted by sooooooo many things, that really set him off! which is why he can't learn in my opinion. My opinion is that school just isn't for everyone. > > what do you guys do? > > Rose > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 2, 2010 Report Share Posted March 2, 2010 Rose, I wanted to share. I have a 7 year old son with SPD. We did preschool (public school) and Kindergarten (Montessori). We decided mid-way through Kindergarten that I would homeschool starting in first grade. The experience has been a positive one. He has made great progress with cutting, writing, as well as other areas. We do sensory breaks and exercises. We have the power to decide the environment. The room is quiet. His desk is away from toys and other distractions. If he throws a fit over something challenging he doesn't lose recess as a punishment! He can wear pajamas which are soft and comfy. We have many opportunities for social activities. We visit museums, zoos, parks and other educational places. The key is we have control over when we go. We like to go on days that are quiet and low attendance. We plan small play groups. I know there are good schools out there that do a wonderful job. I am related to a special ed teacher and think so highly of her. Can you request maybe a new school within your district or possibly a change to his IEP? If you don't think progress is being made than you should have the right to request a meeting to see if something can be done. It has not always been easy, but homeschooling was the right decision for our family. I read posts from parents who go both directions, school vs. home. Maybe research homeschool during the rest of the current school year and decide if you think it might work for you. That would give your husband time to consider whether he feels it is beneficial for your family. I wish you the best and hope that you find the solution that is best for you all. Sonya ---- Rose Rudolph <roserudolph55@...> wrote: > I was wondering if I could get some opinions. We have never done a formal home based therapy program, my son was diagnosed at 2 1/2 and we started preschool at age 3. He's now 7 and is still in the public school system. He made no progress since starting at age 3. He is still non-verbal, still very aggressive, still only glueing, cutting, painting, swinging in the OT room and taking walks in the halls. Everytime I try to take him out everyone in our families has a fit, and is disappointed in us. (I only care a little bit) But my husband is really wanting to keep him in school too. He said he'll support whatever I choose, I guess I can't really choose. I was wondering if you guys think that maybe a home-based program would work better, since he's not distracted by sooooooo many things, that really set him off! which is why he can't learn in my opinion. My opinion is that school just isn't for everyone. > > what do you guys do? > > Rose > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 2, 2010 Report Share Posted March 2, 2010 I'm actually not homeschooling for the same reason that you aren't. My husband. Well, he's not the only reason. In California if you choose to home-school then it is very difficult to receive anything by way of ST, OT, etc. from the school. We compromised and I put my son in a half day program. It can also be very difficult on you as a mom to have no time to yourself but if your child is struggling in school and not making progress it might be a good idea to look into it even for a trial basis of a couple months and then if it's too difficult or if he's not improving you can always re-enroll him school. Here's a blog I love about home-schooling, I hope it's helpful: http://notnewtoautism.blogspot.com/. http://aydansrecovery.blogspot.com/2009_08_01_archive.html From: jtmk98.535597 <lysva29798-dnttrst@...> Subject: [ ] Re: Home-based vs. school Date: Tuesday, March 2, 2010, 11:13 AM  I homeschool despite the lack of enthusiasm of my husband and the disbelief all the way to contempt of relatives. I had a double mastectomy 2 months ago and my greatest fear (of cancer) was that I would not be able to finish homeschooling my girls. It IS hard, especially with special needs kids, but I would think no harder than dealing with what schools want (I am a former elem. teacher). I feel my girls (from Russia, each with special issues, we're at round 6 of chelation, & have done many other things) would not have thrived in a school setting. The bottom line: thee is SO MUCH SUPPORT from other homeschoolers, that you will thrive! I drive an hour & a half away one-way, every week, because I'm determined that my girls be raised able to have friends who are being raised with similar values. It can be done! > > I was wondering if I could get some opinions. We have never done a formal home based therapy program, my son was diagnosed at 2 1/2 and we started preschool at age 3. He's now 7 and is still in the public school system. He made no progress since starting at age 3. He is still non-verbal, still very aggressive, still only glueing, cutting, painting, swinging in the OT room and taking walks in the halls. Everytime I try to take him out everyone in our families has a fit, and is disappointed in us. (I only care a little bit) But my husband is really wanting to keep him in school too. He said he'll support whatever I choose, I guess I can't really choose. I was wondering if you guys think that maybe a home-based program would work better, since he's not distracted by sooooooo many things, that really set him off! which is why he can't learn in my opinion. My opinion is that school just isn't for everyone. > > what do you guys do? > > Rose > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 2, 2010 Report Share Posted March 2, 2010 We are currently doing a public cyber school with our 10-year-old (we live in PA). It has been great in the past. He started in K and is currently in 4th. He could read by the end of K (we were amazed by that). However this year has been a real struggle because they switched him to all online (we do seatwork on our own) and he is addicted to the computer. They are suppose to get a better curriculum next year but we are seriously considering doing a Charlotte Mason type curriculum and pulling him out of the cyber school. They do pay for all his therapies (speech and OT) but we are just going to have to figure it out on our own. We think we would be able to better adapt it to his strengths and weaknesses. We did try at one point to put him in school (I think it was 2nd grade) but they could not guarantee us that he would get ahold of gluten. It can be very stressful at times but he has done really well as far as schooling goes. > > > > I was wondering if I could get some opinions. We have never done a formal home based therapy program, my son was diagnosed at 2 1/2 and we started preschool at age 3. He's now 7 and is still in the public school system. He made no progress since starting at age 3. He is still non-verbal, still very aggressive, still only glueing, cutting, painting, swinging in the OT room and taking walks in the halls. Everytime I try to take him out everyone in our families has a fit, and is disappointed in us. (I only care a little bit) But my husband is really wanting to keep him in school too. He said he'll support whatever I choose, I guess I can't really choose. I was wondering if you guys think that maybe a home-based program would work better, since he's not distracted by sooooooo many things, that really set him off! which is why he can't learn in my opinion. My opinion is that school just isn't for everyone. > > > > what do you guys do? > > > > Rose > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 2, 2010 Report Share Posted March 2, 2010 We are doing a public cyber school in PA as well. This year was K for us. My son is highly gifted as well, so this provides us the opportunity to go as far as he wants to with any subject that interests him, and to take more time should he need it, on any subject or particular lesson that would be troublesome. Our curriculum uses Handwriting W/O Tears which has been awesome. We get our speech services through the school as well, and it is the best speech therapy we've ever had. My child is (academically) light years ahead of his regular peers in normal public school. My son has a special ed teacher to help us out and make sure he's doing ok. We have an IEP, as well. I like to say I KNOW our IEP is implemented - I do it myself. School at home means chelation, anti-viral protocol, supplements, diets, are NEVER a problem. All my son's various therapies are integrated into his whole day/education/life. He isn't " pulled out " for 20 minutes of speech therapy, which the teachers then do nothing to integrate into his learning experience. It also means I know he isn't exposed to pesticides in the building, bullying, or restraints. My son socializes FAR more now than he did before - even in special needs preschool. He isn't " using up " his energy/tolerance just to get through a school day, where the work is so far below is work level that he's learning nothing anyway. Now, most afternoons is ready and able to do things with other kids - karate classes, bowling, swimming, or even just playing at the park with friends, or a regular, typical playdate. My son is learning from his grandparents as well. They are all retired as of this year and each set comes one day each week or so to help out. They bring a different perpective for him - with their life experiences. They bring books based on what he is learning, or join us on field trips, or somehow enhance the experience. My MIL, God bless her, always does laundry while she's here. My FIL helped clean out the attic when our house went up for sale. My son SEES family support in action. I love to take him to visit people we know of all ages (now that he's better enough to do so), and teach him REAL life interactions with people of all ages/walks of life - like you need in the real adult world, someday. He learns scheduling, meal planning, etc. just by watching our day unfold. LIFE skills. He wouldn't get them at regular school. Should our cyber school require so many hours in front of the computer each day, I'll look into buying curriculum for regular " home school " or private cyber school. It's tough, though too, at times. I've had to find patience I didn't think I had some days. I really have to be on top of taking time away from my son and the home - to recharge, school does become rather all engulfing sometimes. As if autism isn't, anyway. I had to shut down my business and rethink my career goals - and that really sucks. I LOVED what I did, and did NOT want to give it up. But I know this is the best choice for my son. He's BLOSSOMING. Sometimes your choices are drown, or ride the waves to a beautiful destination - even though it isn't where you thought you were headed. > > > > > > I was wondering if I could get some opinions. We have never done a formal home based therapy program, my son was diagnosed at 2 1/2 and we started preschool at age 3. He's now 7 and is still in the public school system. He made no progress since starting at age 3. He is still non-verbal, still very aggressive, still only glueing, cutting, painting, swinging in the OT room and taking walks in the halls. Everytime I try to take him out everyone in our families has a fit, and is disappointed in us. (I only care a little bit) But my husband is really wanting to keep him in school too. He said he'll support whatever I choose, I guess I can't really choose. I was wondering if you guys think that maybe a home-based program would work better, since he's not distracted by sooooooo many things, that really set him off! which is why he can't learn in my opinion. My opinion is that school just isn't for everyone. > > > > > > what do you guys do? > > > > > > Rose > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2010 Report Share Posted March 3, 2010 > I was wondering if I could get some opinions. We have never done a formal home based therapy program, my son was diagnosed at 2 1/2 and we started preschool at age 3. He's now 7 and is still in the public school system. He made no progress since starting at age 3. This means you definitely need to make a change. >>Everytime I try to take him out everyone in our families has a fit, and is disappointed in us. If your son is not improving, he needs a change. Your family should be disappointed in the SCHOOL. If they tell you they are disappointed in you, you might want to acknowledge that, and apologize for taking so long to remove him from an environment that obviously hasn't done much for him. Or, tell them it is YOUR son, and ask whether they will support you, or try to bring you down. And if they try to bring you down, cut off relations with them. You certainly don't need people in your life that are not supporting you. >>I only care a little bit) But my husband is really wanting to keep him in school too. He said he'll support whatever I choose, I guess I can't really choose. I was wondering if you guys think that maybe a home-based program would work better, since he's not distracted by sooooooo many things, that really set him off! which is why he can't learn in my opinion. My opinion is that school just isn't for everyone. I homeschool all four of my kids, including my #2 who has a dx of " classic Kanner's autism " , severe, low functioning. The pedneuro who dx him, told me he would never talk or even acknowledge my existence. Today he talks, reads, and writes. I don't use public programs at all, my son has never seen a public school or public therapist. Good luck with your decision. Dana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2010 Report Share Posted March 3, 2010 How does one make this kind of decision?  My son is failing in public school: he literally didn't learn anything during past year (and I have been teaching him at home: we welcome more snow days). Public school wants to move him into a self-included program for ED kids, which, I can only imagine, would make his behavior issues worse and where he would not still learn.  I am so scared. I feel that I can teach math (we are already 2-3 years ahead there), English reading and writing; Excel and Word etc.., but I cannot teach other subjects. I don't even know where to get materials for science, social studies, biology, ... And I don't know how to participate in official testing and to ensure he gets diploma...  How does one get started with homeschooling? Can the child still participate in the state programs, testing, .. and get the necessary education materials...?  Thanks, C.J.  From: danasview <danasview@...> Subject: [ ] Re: Home-based vs. school Date: Wednesday, March 3, 2010, 6:54 AM  > I was wondering if I could get some opinions. We have never done a formal home based therapy program, my son was diagnosed at 2 1/2 and we started preschool at age 3. He's now 7 and is still in the public school system. He made no progress since starting at age 3. This means you definitely need to make a change. >>Everytime I try to take him out everyone in our families has a fit, and is disappointed in us. If your son is not improving, he needs a change. Your family should be disappointed in the SCHOOL. If they tell you they are disappointed in you, you might want to acknowledge that, and apologize for taking so long to remove him from an environment that obviously hasn't done much for him. Or, tell them it is YOUR son, and ask whether they will support you, or try to bring you down. And if they try to bring you down, cut off relations with them. You certainly don't need people in your life that are not supporting you. >>I only care a little bit) But my husband is really wanting to keep him in school too. He said he'll support whatever I choose, I guess I can't really choose. I was wondering if you guys think that maybe a home-based program would work better, since he's not distracted by sooooooo many things, that really set him off! which is why he can't learn in my opinion. My opinion is that school just isn't for everyone. I homeschool all four of my kids, including my #2 who has a dx of " classic Kanner's autism " , severe, low functioning. The pedneuro who dx him, told me he would never talk or even acknowledge my existence. Today he talks, reads, and writes. I don't use public programs at all, my son has never seen a public school or public therapist. Good luck with your decision. Dana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2010 Report Share Posted March 3, 2010 ... I needed that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for writing sooooo much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! ________________________________ From: mosaictm <sunshine369@...> Sent: Tue, March 2, 2010 11:21:52 PM Subject: [ ] Re: Home-based vs. school  We are doing a public cyber school in PA as well. This year was K for us. My son is highly gifted as well, so this provides us the opportunity to go as far as he wants to with any subject that interests him, and to take more time should he need it, on any subject or particular lesson that would be troublesome. Our curriculum uses Handwriting W/O Tears which has been awesome. We get our speech services through the school as well, and it is the best speech therapy we've ever had. My child is (academically) light years ahead of his regular peers in normal public school. My son has a special ed teacher to help us out and make sure he's doing ok. We have an IEP, as well. I like to say I KNOW our IEP is implemented - I do it myself. School at home means chelation, anti-viral protocol, supplements, diets, are NEVER a problem. All my son's various therapies are integrated into his whole day/education/ life. He isn't " pulled out " for 20 minutes of speech therapy, which the teachers then do nothing to integrate into his learning experience. It also means I know he isn't exposed to pesticides in the building, bullying, or restraints. My son socializes FAR more now than he did before - even in special needs preschool. He isn't " using up " his energy/tolerance just to get through a school day, where the work is so far below is work level that he's learning nothing anyway. Now, most afternoons is ready and able to do things with other kids - karate classes, bowling, swimming, or even just playing at the park with friends, or a regular, typical playdate. My son is learning from his grandparents as well. They are all retired as of this year and each set comes one day each week or so to help out. They bring a different perpective for him - with their life experiences. They bring books based on what he is learning, or join us on field trips, or somehow enhance the experience. My MIL, God bless her, always does laundry while she's here. My FIL helped clean out the attic when our house went up for sale. My son SEES family support in action. I love to take him to visit people we know of all ages (now that he's better enough to do so), and teach him REAL life interactions with people of all ages/walks of life - like you need in the real adult world, someday. He learns scheduling, meal planning, etc. just by watching our day unfold. LIFE skills. He wouldn't get them at regular school. Should our cyber school require so many hours in front of the computer each day, I'll look into buying curriculum for regular " home school " or private cyber school. It's tough, though too, at times. I've had to find patience I didn't think I had some days. I really have to be on top of taking time away from my son and the home - to recharge, school does become rather all engulfing sometimes. As if autism isn't, anyway. I had to shut down my business and rethink my career goals - and that really sucks. I LOVED what I did, and did NOT want to give it up. But I know this is the best choice for my son. He's BLOSSOMING. Sometimes your choices are drown, or ride the waves to a beautiful destination - even though it isn't where you thought you were headed. > > > > > > I was wondering if I could get some opinions. We have never done a formal home based therapy program, my son was diagnosed at 2 1/2 and we started preschool at age 3. He's now 7 and is still in the public school system. He made no progress since starting at age 3. He is still non-verbal, still very aggressive, still only glueing, cutting, painting, swinging in the OT room and taking walks in the halls. Everytime I try to take him out everyone in our families has a fit, and is disappointed in us. (I only care a little bit) But my husband is really wanting to keep him in school too. He said he'll support whatever I choose, I guess I can't really choose. I was wondering if you guys think that maybe a home-based program would work better, since he's not distracted by sooooooo many things, that really set him off! which is why he can't learn in my opinion. My opinion is that school just isn't for everyone. > > > > > > what do you guys do? > > > > > > Rose > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2010 Report Share Posted March 3, 2010 My nephew with autism attended public school with a para in a city, then they moved to the country where he was homeschooled for a couple years, then he did on-line high school through I.Q. Academies and graduated last spring. S S Re: Home-based vs. school Posted by: " caijiao cj zhao " caijiao@... caijiao Wed Mar 3, 2010 7:28 am (PST) How does one make this kind of decision? My son is failing in public school: he literally didn't learn anything during past year (and I have been teaching him at home: we welcome more snow days). Public school wants to move him into a self-included program for ED kids, which, I can only imagine, would make his behavior issues worse and where he would not still learn. I am so scared. I feel that I can teach math (we are already 2-3 years ahead there), English reading and writing; Excel and Word etc.., but I cannot teach other subjects. I don't even know where to get materials for science, social studies, biology, ... And I don't know how to participate in official testing and to ensure he gets diploma... How does one get started with homeschooling? Can the child still participate in the state programs, testing, .. and get the necessary education materials...? Thanks, C.J. ------------------------------------------------------------ Wanna lose weight? Weight Loss Programs that work. Click here. Diet Help http://tagline.excite.com/c?cp=9jq053B8c4yBimhxm4cU7QAAKZRr_2tbQBaG-3loGUsiTeHAA\ AYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADNAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYQAAAAAA= Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2010 Report Share Posted March 3, 2010 Contact here to see what is available in your area: http://www.k12.com/ They provide everything you need - materials, lessons, support. You don't have to worry about what you can or can't teach. You can surprise yourself with what you can do. > > I was wondering if I could get some opinions. We have never done a formal home based therapy program, my son was diagnosed at 2 1/2 and we started preschool at age 3. He's now 7 and is still in the public school system. He made no progress since starting at age 3. > > This means you definitely need to make a change. > > >>Everytime I try to take him out everyone in our families has a fit, and is disappointed in us. > > If your son is not improving, he needs a change. Your family should be disappointed in the SCHOOL. If they tell you they are disappointed in you, you might want to acknowledge that, and apologize for taking so long to remove him from an environment that obviously hasn't done much for him. Or, tell them it is YOUR son, and ask whether they will support you, or try to bring you down. And if they try to bring you down, cut off relations with them. You certainly don't need people in your life that are not supporting you. > > >>I only care a little bit) But my husband is really wanting to keep him in school too. He said he'll support whatever I choose, I guess I can't really choose. I was wondering if you guys think that maybe a home-based program would work better, since he's not distracted by sooooooo many things, that really set him off! which is why he can't learn in my opinion. My opinion is that school just isn't for everyone. > > I homeschool all four of my kids, including my #2 who has a dx of " classic Kanner's autism " , severe, low functioning. The pedneuro who dx him, told me he would never talk or even acknowledge my existence. Today he talks, reads, and writes. I don't use public programs at all, my son has never seen a public school or public therapist. > > Good luck with your decision. > > Dana > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2010 Report Share Posted March 3, 2010 I homeschool my 6-year-old. It has been incredible. He is close to recovered and we never could have gotten here if he went to school. I know some people feel school is best for their children, and I agree that each parent knows their child best, but school is not right for my child. The primary thing is that my child has a medical problem, not an " educational " problem. The medical problem leads to certain educational needs, but accommodating those needs won't " cure " the problem. It's like if your child has seizures- this may require that the school make certain accommodations, but these accommodations won't " treat " the seizures. The key to my son's recovery is diet and biomed and homeschooling has given me the flexibility and freedom to make the most of these approaches. Embracing this approach means embracing that die-off, some sleepless nights, " grumpy " moods, etc are part of his recovery, but they would be too disruptive if he had a regular school schedule. Any time that we have a regularly scheduled event or class that I feel he " needs to be at his best " for reminds me of this because I suddenly find that I have to wait to start new things for fear of " messing up " the event. I also feel that social skills are the most important thing for my son to learn right now- we can always fill in academic holes later. I have found that homeschooling gives me so many more options to do this. Being with mixed ages really helps- older girls especially can be SO helpful, plus the blend of ages makes my son stand out less and seem less different. In general, the other homeschooled kids that we meet are much more accepting of my son's differences, there isn't as much of the pressure to conform and I rarely see bullying or " cliques " . This difference becomes especially striking as the kids reach middle and high school. Not to say that it doesn't happen, but it is much easier to avoid and it is not tolerated by most of the other kids when it does happen. And, as far as teaching skills, what better way to learn " life skills " than in real life? As for academics my son can be at his level without being " behind " or being " advanced " . He is hyperlexic so he reads at about a 5th grade level, but since he doesn't " perform " well in assessments a school would never believe this and he wouldn't be appropriately challenged and interested in what he's reading. As my son has recovered more and more, it has become clear that he " heard " and internalized what was said around him EVEN when we thought he didn't have language, and EVEN when he seemed totally out to lunch in " stimmy " land. I've even heard that from families whose kids were thought to be very low-functioning, that once they were able to communicate it became clear that they had been aware of much more than they had been given credit for. Homeschooling has allowed my son to be free of stigma and to have a healthy and positive self image. I know not everyone can homeschool or wants to, but I do think it is a good option for many people, especially when the child hasn't made progress at school. -Sierra > > Rose, > I wanted to share. I have a 7 year old son with SPD. We did preschool (public school) and Kindergarten (Montessori). We decided mid-way through Kindergarten that I would homeschool starting in first grade. > > The experience has been a positive one. He has made great progress with cutting, writing, as well as other areas. We do sensory breaks and exercises. We have the power to decide the environment. The room is quiet. His desk is away from toys and other distractions. If he throws a fit over something challenging he doesn't lose recess as a punishment! He can wear pajamas which are soft and comfy. > > We have many opportunities for social activities. We visit museums, zoos, parks and other educational places. The key is we have control over when we go. We like to go on days that are quiet and low attendance. We plan small play groups. > > I know there are good schools out there that do a wonderful job. I am related to a special ed teacher and think so highly of her. Can you request maybe a new school within your district or possibly a change to his IEP? If you don't think progress is being made than you should have the right to request a meeting to see if something can be done. > > It has not always been easy, but homeschooling was the right decision for our family. I read posts from parents who go both directions, school vs. home. Maybe research homeschool during the rest of the current school year and decide if you think it might work for you. That would give your husband time to consider whether he feels it is beneficial for your family. > > I wish you the best and hope that you find the solution that is best for you all. > Sonya > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2010 Report Share Posted March 3, 2010 I've homeschooled all my kids (4 with two more coming up)for most of there lives (my oldest has 4 1/2 years of schooling and my second went to school in 2ond grade). My oldest is now sixteen taking college courses and homeschooling for the rest. We did try K-12 for awhile theres good and bad there but it wasn't a good fit for us. If you want I can suggest many resources and help put something together if you want email me off group. Tressie > > > I was wondering if I could get some opinions. We have never done a formal home based therapy program, my son was diagnosed at 2 1/2 and we started preschool at age 3. He's now 7 and is still in the public school system. He made no progress since starting at age 3. > > > > This means you definitely need to make a change. > > > > >>Everytime I try to take him out everyone in our families has a fit, and is disappointed in us. > > > > If your son is not improving, he needs a change. Your family should be disappointed in the SCHOOL. If they tell you they are disappointed in you, you might want to acknowledge that, and apologize for taking so long to remove him from an environment that obviously hasn't done much for him. Or, tell them it is YOUR son, and ask whether they will support you, or try to bring you down. And if they try to bring you down, cut off relations with them. You certainly don't need people in your life that are not supporting you. > > > > >>I only care a little bit) But my husband is really wanting to keep him in school too. He said he'll support whatever I choose, I guess I can't really choose. I was wondering if you guys think that maybe a home-based program would work better, since he's not distracted by sooooooo many things, that really set him off! which is why he can't learn in my opinion. My opinion is that school just isn't for everyone. > > > > I homeschool all four of my kids, including my #2 who has a dx of " classic Kanner's autism " , severe, low functioning. The pedneuro who dx him, told me he would never talk or even acknowledge my existence. Today he talks, reads, and writes. I don't use public programs at all, my son has never seen a public school or public therapist. > > > > Good luck with your decision. > > > > Dana > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2010 Report Share Posted March 4, 2010 > > I was wondering if I could get some opinions. We have never done a formal home based therapy program, my son was diagnosed at 2 1/2 and we started preschool at age 3. He's now 7 and is still in the public school system. He made no progress since starting at age 3. > > This means you definitely need to make a change. > > >>Everytime I try to take him out everyone in our families has a fit, and is disappointed in us. > > If your son is not improving, he needs a change. Your family should be disappointed in the SCHOOL. If they tell you they are disappointed in you, you might want to acknowledge that, and apologize for taking so long to remove him from an environment that obviously hasn't done much for him. Or, tell them it is YOUR son, and ask whether they will support you, or try to bring you down. And if they try to bring you down, cut off relations with them. You certainly don't need people in your life that are not supporting you. > > >>I only care a little bit) But my husband is really wanting to keep him in school too. He said he'll support whatever I choose, I guess I can't really choose. I was wondering if you guys think that maybe a home-based program would work better, since he's not distracted by sooooooo many things, that really set him off! which is why he can't learn in my opinion. My opinion is that school just isn't for everyone. > > I homeschool all four of my kids, including my #2 who has a dx of " classic Kanner's autism " , severe, low functioning. The pedneuro who dx him, told me he would never talk or even acknowledge my existence. Today he talks, reads, and writes. I don't use public programs at all, my son has never seen a public school or public therapist. > > Good luck with your decision. > > Dana > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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