Welcome to NeurOrdinary, the podcast that explores the ordinary (and extraordinary) journeys of families navigating life with their autistic children.
In this episode, we dive deep into the critical topic of educational options and resources for autistic children and how those choices can have a profound impact on their development and well-being.
Join us as we uncover the challenges faced by parents when choosing the most suitable educational environment for their autistic child.
- We explore the unique educational needs of autistic children and discuss how school choice allows parents to explore a range of programs and settings to find the best fit.
- Discover the benefits of school choice for autistic children, including access to specialized programs and support services tailored to their unique needs.
- We dive into the importance of collaboration between parents, therapists, and school personnel in integrating private therapies into a child's school routine.
- Learn about the crucial role of open communication and sharing of assessment reports and therapy plans to support the child's progress in the school environment.
- We’ll even talk about homeschooling, so you can get a balanced list of educational options to best fit you and your child’s needs!
From understanding the IEP and 504 Plan process to finding inclusive homeschooling resources, this episode of NeurOrdinary is your go-to podcast for empowering your children to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally ... .all while you manage the chaos and reduce your feelings of overwhelm as a parent!
Prefer an audio-only format?! Tune in on Spotify or your favorite podcasting platform. Don't see your preferred podcast program listed? Contact me here to make a suggestion for where you'd like to listen to NeurOrdinary.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode
Autism 101 For Parents: What You Need To Know About Your Child’s Education *Includes information on and links to your local Parent Resource Council, as well as most of the other topics discussed in today's episode.
Happily Homeschooling: 10 Tips for Parents of Autistic Children
Redefining Success: Embracing Your Unique Path as an Autism Parent
Contact me here to set up your 60-minute education coaching session!
Transcript:
Hey, I’m Karen. And I’m a mom to two amazingly neuropsicy autistic kiddos. If you’re an autism parent like me, you know I don’t have the time to make a podcast intro. I also lack the tech skills, so let’s just get into it…this is the NeurOrdinary Podcast!
Today's episode is kind of our back-to-school edition…since most of us are gearing up for the new school year, I thought today we’d delve into some of the challenges you may face when you’re trying to find the best educational options for your child. Education plays a vital role in shaping our kids’ future, and it's crucial that we parents have the accurate information necessary to make informed decisions. So, let's explore the resources that can empower you on this journey.
Our first topic is School Choice…which is something that sparks intense debates among parents and lawmakers. In the context of autistic children and their families, school choice takes on a particular significance.
For autistic children, finding the right educational environment is essential to their development and overall well-being. Since we all know autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects someone’s social interaction, communication skills, and behavior patterns, that means autistic children often have unique educational needs that may differ wildly from those of their neurotypical peers. By having the option of school choice, parents and caregivers can explore various educational settings and programs to find the most suitable environment that meets their child's specific requirements.
One significant benefit of school choice for autistic children is the opportunity to access specialized educational programs and support services tailored to their needs. Not all schools are equipped with the resources and expertise to effectively address the diverse learning styles of autistic students. School choice allows families to seek out institutions that offer specialized programs, such as autism-focused classrooms, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and other evidence-based interventions that can promote their child's development and help them thrive academically.
School choice empowers parents to consider factors beyond the academic curriculum, such as the social and emotional aspects of their child's education. Autistic children often face social difficulties and may require specific strategies to enhance their social skills, build friendships, and feel included in the school community. With school choice, families can select educational environments that prioritize inclusive practices, foster a supportive and accepting atmosphere, and promote social integration among students of diverse abilities.
Additionally, school choice can offer flexibility in terms of educational approaches and teaching methods. Autistic children exhibit a wide range of abilities, strengths, and interests, and not all educational settings may cater to their unique learning styles. Some children may benefit from a more structured and predictable environment, while others may thrive in a less restrictive setting that allows for more individualized learning experiences. By having a choice in the schools their children attend, parents can find an educational approach that aligns with their child's strengths and preferences, optimizing their learning potential and overall engagement in the educational process.
Furthermore, school choice acknowledges the importance of parental involvement in shaping their child's educational journey. You may have noticed, but we autism parents have to be a lot more involved in our kids’ lives, and usually, we know what our kids need better than anyone! When parents have the opportunity to choose the school that best fits their child's needs, they become active participants in the decision-making process, promoting a sense of ownership and advocacy for their child's education. By involving parents in the school selection process, it encourages collaboration between families and schools, fostering a partnership that supports the child's growth and development.
Next, let’s move on to Special Education Resources in the Public School Setting…
Navigating the public school system can be a complex and daunting task for parents of autistic children, especially during the early years of their child's education. Getting the appropriate level of support and resources often feels like an uphill battle, but with the right guidance and understanding of the processes involved, parents *can* effectively advocate for their child's needs.
One of the initial challenges that parents face is accessing appropriate educational services for their autistic child during the developmental preschool years. It can be overwhelming to navigate through the various available programs, understand eligibility criteria, and determine which placement will best meet the child's unique needs. Parents may encounter difficulties in finding a developmental preschool with experienced staff and inclusive practices that promote the social, academic, and behavioral development of their child.
Once a child enters the public school system, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and 504 plan processes become crucial for securing necessary supports and accommodations. Developing an effective IEP or 504 plan requires collaboration between parents, educators, and the school district. But, the complexity of these processes and the specialized language used can be overwhelming for parents who may not be familiar with the system. Your local parent resource center is a valuable source of support, I’ll link to more information on that in the show notes.
One of the biggest SPED challenges is the yearly planning meetings. Parents may experience a mix of stress and hope. These meetings involve discussions about the child's progress, goals for the upcoming year, and the supports and services that will be provided, but a lot of what you’ll talk about are your kid’s weaknesses and challenges. Parents need to come prepared, having a clear understanding of their child's strengths, weaknesses, and specific needs. They should advocate for appropriate accommodations, modifications, therapies, and any necessary specialized services that will enable their child to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Evaluations play a crucial role in the development of IEPs and 504 plans. They help identify the child's strengths, weaknesses, and educational needs, guiding the creation of appropriate goals and strategies. However, the evaluation process can be lengthy, and the availability of qualified professionals for comprehensive assessments may vary across school districts. Parents may need to proactively communicate with the school district and request evaluations to ensure that their child receives a thorough assessment that informs the development of effective educational plans.
It is important for parents to familiarize themselves with the laws and regulations that protect the rights of students with disabilities. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act are two key pieces of legislation that outline the rights and entitlements of students with disabilities within the public school system. Understanding these laws and how they apply to their child's educational journey empowers parents to advocate effectively and ensure that their child receives the necessary support and accommodations.
Support from professionals and organizations specializing in autism can be invaluable for parents navigating the public school system. Autism-specific advocacy groups, parent support networks, and resources from reputable organizations can provide guidance, knowledge, and emotional support. Connecting with other autism parents who have successfully advocated for their children's needs can offer valuable insights and strategies for navigating the system.
But what do you do when your child doesn’t qualify for in-school services and support? Well many parents have to rely on private therapies, which brings us to our next topic, which is a doozy for a lot of parents…Balancing School and Private Therapies!
In today's educational and financial landscape, school districts often encounter budget limitations, which limits the amount of services, therapies, and support they’re able to offer students. This often creates some difficult decisions for parents when it comes to prioritizing between school-based education and private therapies for their children. Balancing these competing demands can be a challenging juggling act.
When school districts face budget constraints, resources for special education and related services may be limited. In fact, it seems like they’re often the first place that gets cut. They may find that their child no longer qualifies for school-based therapies or that what is offered, isn’t sufficient to meet their child’s needs. As a result, parents often find themselves making difficult choices regarding whether to rely solely on the services provided within the school or to seek additional support through private therapies.
One challenge parents may encounter is determining the effectiveness and appropriateness of the services provided within the school setting. While schools are obligated to provide a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) to students with disabilities, the available resources and expertise may vary between districts. Parents may need to assess whether the school's offerings sufficiently meet their child's individual needs or if additional interventions are necessary to support their child's development and progress.
Private therapies can offer targeted interventions that focus on specific areas of a child's development. These therapies may include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or other evidence-based interventions tailored to the child's unique needs. Incorporating private therapies into a child's school routine can enhance their overall development and complement the services provided within the school system.
However, juggling private therapies and school-based education requires careful planning and coordination. Parents must consider the time commitment, financial implications, and potential disruptions to the child and parent’s daily routine. You have to strike a balance that allows the child to receive necessary therapies without compromising their engagement in the school curriculum and activities ... .all without driving yourself bonkers!
Collaboration between parents, therapists, and school personnel is vital in effectively integrating private therapies into a child's school routine. Open communication is key to ensuring that everyone involved understands the child's goals, progress, and any adjustments required in the school environment. Sharing assessment reports, therapy plans, and progress updates with the school team can facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the child's needs and enable the development of strategies to support their overall development.
Additionally, parents can explore ways to incorporate therapy techniques and strategies into the child's daily school activities. Again, collaboration between therapists and school staff can help identify opportunities for implementing therapy techniques within the classroom, allowing for consistency and reinforcement of skills across different settings. This collaborative approach maximizes the child's exposure to therapeutic strategies and promotes the generalization of skills learned during private therapy sessions.
Lastly, it is important for parents to regularly assess the impact and effectiveness of the combination of school-based education and private therapies on their child's overall development and progress. Is it too much of one, and not enough of another? Is the child overwhelmed by the back and forth? Are YOU as the parent overwhelmed by the back and forth? This ongoing evaluation allows parents to make the best decisions for their child and themselves, adjust the therapy schedule if necessary, and advocate for their child's evolving needs.
Finally, no discussion of autism and education would be complete without talking about the benefits of Homeschooling your autistic child…and full transparency here, my family has been homeschooling since the beginning and I am a HUGE advocate for this option when it’s a viable option for autism families…
One of the significant advantages of homeschooling for autistic children is the flexibility it offers. Every child with autism is unique, with different learning styles, strengths, and challenges. Homeschooling allows parents to tailor their child's education to match their specific needs and interests. This individualized approach can lead to a more engaging and effective learning experience.
Homeschooling also provides a nurturing and supportive environment for autistic children. They can learn in a comfortable and familiar setting, which often reduces anxiety and sensory challenges that may arise in traditional school environments. Homeschooling allows for one-on-one instruction, which can be highly beneficial for autistic children who may require additional support, repetition, or modifications in their learning process.
Incorporating private therapies into homeschooling is another advantage that parents can consider. All that stuff I just talked about fitting private therapies into your public school routine? No need to worry about it when you homeschool! By homeschooling, parents have the flexibility to schedule therapy sessions at times that work best for their child. This allows for the seamless integration of therapies into the daily routine, and more importantly, it creates a holistic approach to the child's development. Private therapies, such as speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, or play therapy, can be easily integrated into the homeschooling curriculum, providing targeted interventions and support.
While homeschooling offers many advantages, it also presents unique challenges. One such challenge is the responsibility placed on parents to fulfill the role of educator. Homeschooling requires dedication, time, and effort to research, plan, and deliver an appropriate curriculum. Parents need to become familiar with educational resources, teaching techniques, and assessment methods to ensure their child's progress and meet educational goals.
Flexibility is essential within the homeschooling environment, especially for autistic children who may thrive with routines or require a more fluid approach. Homeschooling parents need to find a delicate balance between structure and flexibility to accommodate their child's specific needs. This may involve creating a daily routine, incorporating visual schedules, providing clear expectations, and allowing room for spontaneous exploration and individual interests. It's also REALLY important that homeschooling autism parents make sure they get the self-care they need to avoid turning into a Martyr Mom (or Dad)!
Resources and support are crucial for homeschooling families. Fortunately, there is a wealth of resources available, including online curricula, educational materials (both secular and religious), support groups, and specialized programs designed specifically for homeschooling autistic children with autism. I’ve linked to some below in the show notes. Connecting with other homeschooling families, joining online communities, and attending homeschooling conferences can provide valuable insights, advice, and a sense of belonging to a supportive network. And trust me when I say there are A LOT of us out there homeschooling our neurospicy kids since they don’t fit in the traditional public school box…you will not be alone on this journey!
But one of my favorite things about homeschooling my two autistic kids is that it separates their education from their socialization and friendships. We have school time, and we have friend time. And sometimes we do fun, educational things with our friends, but my kids are never forced to work on schoolwork around their peers. It makes it easier for them to do well at both when they aren’t combined. Think of it this way, if you have a child who has meltdowns over schoolwork, and you send them to a public school where their peers see those meltdowns or notice the struggles your child has in learning, do you think that will affect either their ability to make friends or their willingness to make friends? By separating education from socialization, we are able to help our kids do well at both.
So there you have it! I’ll get off my home school soapbox now. No matter what you decide on, choosing the right educational approach for your autistic child is one of the most significant decisions you'll make as a parent. Throughout this podcast, we've aimed to equip you with the information and resources needed to become an empowered and engaged autism parent. If you require further support or guidance, I invite you to reach out and schedule an educational coaching session. In just 60 minutes, we can help identify the challenges you're facing and steer you and your child toward educational success.
Thanks for listening! New episodes of the NeurOrdinary Podcast drop every Thursday. Don’t forget to like and subscribe, and if you’re feeling generous leave a comment or review to let me know what you thought about today’s episode. And whatever you do, keep it spicy!
Meet your self-care coach!
