Homeschooling Special Needs Children

Every child is special ... from their individual freckles right down to the size of their pinkie toes! But some children have needs that are considered "extra" special - - outside the scope of the ordinary. If your child fits into the category of "special needs," then you understand that they also have special learning needs, as well. Children with ADHD, for instance, often require shorter lessons and untimed tests. Children with vision impairments need accommodations for reading, writing, and testing. Dyslexic students often benefit from visual aids, assistive technology, and books on tape. Homeschooling can be incredibly beneficial for many special needs children. Parents who have been battling the school system for the most minor accommodations for their child feel like homeschooling is their last hope for getting their child the help they need.

Special Curriculum

Fortunately for homeschooling parents, there is no need for an advanced degree in special education to adequately teach their child. Many curricula available today are designed with the special needs child in mind. Multimedia curriculum and software is perfect for children with short attention spans, ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning disabilities. Hands-on curriculum such as MathUSee, KONOS, and Five in a Row are easy to adapt for children with Down's Syndrome, Autism, and Pervasive Development Disorder. Many curriculum publishers are also creating Braille, large print, and downloadable text-to-speech versions of their materials. For parents who want an overall curriculum for their special needs learners, there is Time4Learning. With interactive multimedia lessons, text-to-speech capabilities, and on-board writing tools, this is one of the most engaging and accessible computer-based curriculums available. In fact, it may be the next best thing to having a special-ed teacher move in with you!

Special Technology

One of the biggest advances in educating special needs children has been the development of Assistive technology. Fortunately, some forward thinking individuals and companies in the technology field understood the learning differences of these children and created assistive software and programs that actually work with these students. Because of these tools, homeschooling families have viable options for helping their special learners at home. For struggling writers, mind-mapping software and word prediction software are incredibly helpful. But for those who struggle with even using a keyboard or mouse, touch screens and switch-activated devices can make a computer accessible. Even end-of-grade tests can now be accessed in software form for those with pencil and paper difficulties.

Children with special needs can sometimes fall through the cracks of the public school system, but homeschooling provides them with a 1 to 1 teacher/student ratio that can't be beat! And the resources and technology available to parents today can provide the needed support for tackling what can seem like an overwhelming task. The effort will be worth it, though, because every child deserves a special learning program suited to his or her needs.