Welcome to HomeschoolingSPED, your go-to resource for homeschooling autistic children with ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and other learning differences. If you’re a parent navigating the world of special education at home, you’re in the right place! I’m Valerie, a former Registered Nurse turned homeschooling mom, passionate about creating sensory-friendly, hands-on, and effective learning solutions for…
Author: Logan
Fine Motor Skills Toolbox: A Simple Way to Boost Focus in Your Homeschool
If you’ve ever noticed your child struggling to sit still and focus on a lesson, a fine motor warm-up may be the key to helping them engage and learn more effectively. Sensory-rich fine motor activities provide proprioceptive input, which can help with self-regulation, attention, and learning readiness. Research supports this approach. A study published in…
The Best Writing Programs for Special Needs & Dysgraphia
When homeschooling children with special needs, particularly those with dysgraphia or other writing challenges, it’s essential to choose the right writing program. The ideal curriculum will help your child develop their writing skills while accommodating their unique needs. If you’re looking for the best writing programs for your special needs child, here’s a roundup of…
The Best Math Programs for Homeschooling Special Needs Kids
Homeschooling special needs children can be a rewarding experience, but finding the right resources to support their unique learning needs can be a challenge. Math, in particular, can be an area of struggle for many kids with special needs. Whether your child has ADHD, dyslexia, autism, or another learning difference, choosing the right math curriculum…
The Orton-Gillingham Approach: The Best Reading Programs for Homeschooling Special Needs
If you’re homeschooling a child with dyslexia, ADHD, or other reading challenges, you’ve likely come across the term Orton-Gillingham (OG). But what is it, and why is it so effective for struggling readers? In this post, I’ll break down the Orton-Gillingham approach in simple terms, explain why it works for special needs learners, and recommend…
Best Online Learning Programs for Homeschooling Special Needs (Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia & More)
Homeschooling children with special needs comes with unique challenges, from finding the right curriculum to ensuring that learning is engaging but not overwhelming. Over the years, I’ve explored many online programs, searching for ones that support neurodivergent learners like mine. If you’re homeschooling a autistic child with ADHD, dyslexia, or other learning differences, these online…
Homeschooling Special Needs: IEPs, 504 Plans, and Therapies
Homeschooling a child with special needs presents unique challenges and opportunities. Whether your child has autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, speech delays, or motor difficulties, having a structured Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan can help ensure they receive the necessary support. In this guide, we’ll cover: You’ll also find a downloadable homeschool IEP/504 Plan…
Integrating Sensory Activities into Our Homeschooling Routine
Homeschooling a child with sensory processing challenges requires creativity, patience, and a structured approach to sensory input. Two books that have been game-changers for our family are “The Out-of-Sync Child” and “The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun” by Carol Stock Kranowitz. These books provide invaluable insights and 100+ fun, sensory-rich activities to help children develop coordination,…
Homeschooling a Child with PDA: How to Create a Supportive Learning Environment
Homeschooling can be a wonderful opportunity for children with unique learning needs, especially those with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). As a homeschooling parent of neurodivergent children, I’ve learned that traditional teaching methods often don’t work for PDA kids, and adapting to their needs is key to success. PDA is a profile of autism where children…
A Day in the Life: Homeschooling Two Autistic Children with ADHD, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, and PDA and AFRID
Homeschooling neurodivergent children requires flexibility, patience, and a willingness to adapt. No two days are the same, but having a structured routine with built-in choices, sensory supports, and hands-on learning helps our children thrive. One of my children has Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), so we incorporate choices and autonomy throughout the day. Another has Avoidant/Restrictive…