For some children with learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, or other academic challenges, traditional schools may not meet their needs. Homeschooling offers a flexible, individualized education at home or in a smaller learning environment, allowing your child with specialized needs to learn at their own pace with effective research-based instruction.
What Does Homeschooling Mean for Children with Special Needs?
Homeschooling is a great option for many special needs students who need individualized academic support. In this environment, students learn at home or in another location instead of in a traditional classroom setting. This modality allows parents to create individualized academic plans for their child that are flexible and meet their child’s needs. Sometimes parents serve as teachers, but in other cases, outside tutors or instructors provide specialized instruction as part of the child’s homeschool plan.
How Do I Know if Homeschooling is Right for My Child with Learning Challenges?
Knowing whether homeschooling is right for your child with special needs can be a difficult decision. If you see your child struggling academically in a traditional school setting or losing self-confidence, homeschooling may be an ideal option. Additionally, your special needs child may benefit from specialized instruction, such as Orton Gilling tutoring or multi-sensory academic support, that may not be available for them in a traditional school.
What Are the Benefits of Homeschooling Children with Special Needs?
There are many benefits of homeschooling for children with special needs, which may include the following:
Individualized Instruction
- A custom curriculum can be created that is ideal for your child’s profile and learning style
- Research-based methods such as Orton Gillingham tutoring can be integrated
- Specialized multi-sensory instruction for dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD, autism, and other challenges can be used
Flexibility
- Session lengths can be adjusted to your child’s needs
- Breaks can be integrated as needed
- Instruction can include multi-sensory activities and learning games
- Lesson pacing can be modified to keep your child engaged and motivated
Improved Academic Achievement
- Your homeschooled child may be better prepared for higher level studies
- Individualized instruction can lead to improved academic achievement
- Homeschooling can build academic confidence and independence
Individualized Instruction
Homeschooling allows parents to come up with an individualized curriculum with specific teaching methods and a pace that is best for their child. If your child has a learning disability such as dyslexia, they may benefit from Orton Gillingham reading instruction integrated into their homeschool curriculum. With this systematic, research-based, multi-sensory approach, students can improve their ability to read and spell words accurately. If a parent isn’t able to provide Orton Gillingham instruction, they can bring in an Orton Gillingham tutor who specializes in this method to help educate their child.
A child with dysgraphia or dyscalculia may benefit from research-based methods that are catered to their specific writing or math needs. With homeschooling, parents can bring in specialized instructors to provide this type of teaching to their child. Children with ADHD, autism, emotional challenges, behavioral difficulties, speech and language challenges, or other disabilities may also benefit tremendously from homeschooling.
Learn more about Orton Gillingham instruction at Help Your Child With Dyslexia Build Stronger Reading Skills | Knowledge Plus Tutoring
Flexibility
Some students aren’t able to thrive with a typical lengthy school day. They may need a more flexible schedule, with breaks, learning games, and other multi-sensory activities integrated. Homeschooling allows a parent to create a schedule with activities and breaks built in that are most suitable to their child’s needs. This environment may also help the child become more motivated and engaged in their learning.
Improved Achievement
Research indicates that students who are homeschooled show higher academic performance as compared to their peers who receive traditional schooling. They perform better on standardized tests and are more prepared for higher level education. While homeschooling may not be right for every child, many students with special needs thrive with this type of education - especially if they show stronger academic performance and are better prepared for their next level of education after being homeschooled.
Homeschooling can be a great option for many children, especially those with learning, attention, or emotional challenges, as well as those who just may not thrive in a traditional school setting.
Read more about ADHD coaching at Help Your Child With ADHD Build Stronger Organizational Skills | Knowledge Plus Tutoring
When is Homeschooling Most Beneficial for Your Child with Special Needs?
If your special needs child is struggling to thrive in a traditional classroom setting, homeschooling may be a great choice for them. The following students tend to benefit tremendously from individualized homeschool instruction:
- Students with dyslexia, ADHD, autism, or other learning disabilities
- Children who struggle socially or emotionally in traditional school settings
- Students who need an individualized approach to learning, including multi-sensory instruction
- Children who benefit from flexible scheduling
Does Knowledge Plus Tutoring Offer Homeschooling?
Knowledge Plus Tutoring offers homeschooling in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and other areas of Palm Beach and Broward counties. Our individualized tutoring and homeschool programs help children with dyslexia, ADHD, autism, and other learning challenges thrive academically. We are also an approved Step Up provider and accept Step Up funding for homeschooling and academic tutoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can homeschooling help children with dyslexia, ADHD, or autism?
Yes! Homeschooling can absolutely help students with dyslexia, ADHD, or autism. This type of schooling allows parents to integrate research-based, multi-sensory tools, including Orton Gillingham tutoring and other multi-sensory techniques for students with ADHD, autism, and other learning challenges.
Can I use Step Up For Students scholarships for homeschooling?
Yes, if your child qualifies, you can use Step Up for Students scholarships for homeschooling. Knowledge Plus Tutoring accepts Step Up funding for homeschooling instruction in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Parkland, Coral Springs, and other areas of Palm Beach or Broward Counties. Learn more abut Step Up funding for homeschooling at Does Florida’s Step Up Scholarship Cover Tutoring Services?
How do I know if homeschooling is right for my child?
Homeschooling can be a great option for your child if they struggle to thrive in a traditional classroom setting, have specialized learning needs, or need a more flexible schedule or individualized instruction.
Dr. Emily Levy, Ed.D., the executive director of Knowledge Plus Tutoring, has over 20 years of experience providing individualized tutoring and homeschooling to students with dyslexia, ADHD, autism, and other learning challenges.
