[L&IsMama]

<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/redface.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Embarrassment"> I am just looking for some encouragement,that I can,in fact,HS my kids. I had been set on hsing for the longest time,until I started seeing how much ds1 loves to be around other kids. Then,couple that with our ped,who I took ds to recently due to some possible ASD/PDD behaviour,and ped,who is all for hsing,said if ds has some ASD issues he would probably do better to be in a "structured school setting". <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/dizzy.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Dizzy">: But then she goes on to tell me not to jump the gun yet,we still don't know if he is ASD or anything yet. I am almost postive he will need speech therapy,but the other things,I am still waiting for our appt coming up to see the behavioural ped for a comprehensive eval. So,naturally,I start seeing the worst case scenario in my head,and feel like I should send him to school. I am/was even prepared to put out money we really don't have to send him to Montessori pk.<br><br>
But the problem is,I don't want to send him to school deep in my heart. I don't think it will be the right thing for him,especially as he gets older. My dh says "As long as he gets an education,I don't care if it's at home or at school".<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/lol.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="lol"> Although he is also definately more for HSing after hearing everyday all the horrible things that are happening in the schools.<br><br>
So,would I be doing my ds a disservice,if there are underlying special needs,by keeping him home? Honest answers,please. I feel like my doubts are there for a reason,I guess I'm just looking for some BTDT stories,encouragement,what-have-you.<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/innocent.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="shy">

 

[muse]

Not a parent of a special needs kid but I work with many, and am currently a homeschooler. I can see advantages and disadvantages to school/homeschool for an ASD child. It completely depends on the school. If you are considering homeschooling though I'd encourage you to look into Enki Education (<a href="http://www.enkieducation.org" target="_blank">www.enkieducation.org</a>) which is used by a number of people who have ASD children. It incorporates a lot of sensory integration and is well suited to a child with special needs because it is so adaptable. There is also quite a bit of support for parents dealing with some of the same issues. If you do a search here for Enki you will find more info.

 

[frogguruami]

DS2 is PDD/Autism, basically high functioning autistic. He would NEVER do well in a school setting. I am able to give the individualized attention that he needs and teach him in the manor he needs instead of him having to learn the way they want him to. He also never has to be labeled as a special needs kid by his peers and face any of the stigma that accompanies it. He doesn't, but if he did need speech therapy I would still be able to get it through the PS system. He could use some OT but everything in the schools is about teaching him how to conform to the classroom environment so I figure it would be a waste of time.<br><br>
If you think he needs OT you could always use the money you were going to use for Montesorri and get a few REALLY good OT sessions with a therapist that will teach YOU what to do so you can get the most out of the money you will spend.<br><br>
I think the biggest thing with homeschooling an ASD child is to be VERY flexible. They don't learn in the same manner as a "normal" child. Their brains are wired differently.<br><br>
Another thing that was a big help to me was finding other parents in the area with ASD children. We are able to go to playgroups and have the moms be more understanding when DS does something that might not be appropriate because it could have very well been their child that did it<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/lol.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="lol"> . It has definitely helped me feel comfortable getting him out and about with other children.

 

[blsilva]

I think you would be doing him more of a disservice by not homeschooling him. School is hard even for those who seem to "fit" into their mold. Those who don't are too often left behind by teachers who don't have the time to help them, or, worse, labeled trouble, which causes them serious and emotional issues.<br>
I am going through similar doubts with my oldest who, though not officially diagnosed with anything, shows signs of ADHD, or other issues. We are coming to the realization that he just would not thrive in a traditional school system. I too wonder if I am doing him any favors, but, as the great moms on this board reminded me, it would be worse for him in a traditional school.

 

[Mary-Beth]

If he has ASD that is all the more reason to homeschool. For many kids with ASD school makes things harder.<br><br>
You can provide a regulating sensory diet at home and give him how much or how little structure works best for him.<br>
Please don't think that this would change your ability to parent, nourish, nurture and teach this sweet little guy.

 

[L&IsMama]

So,I have finally decided. I'm going to toss my feelings of "Can I do this" out the window. We're going to HS as I originally wanted to do. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/loveeyes.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Loveeyes">: I just feel like ds would lose his natural love for learning,and that school would break his little spirit. I know it sounds cliche,but it's true. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/redface.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Embarrassment"><br>
I'm going to stop telling myself maybe I can't do it and start telling myself I more than absolutely can do it. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/loveeyes.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Loveeyes">: Just gets a little overwhelming sometimes,but I think that I tend to think way too far ahead,too.<br><br>
Anyhow,that is what we decided. Now I can stop stressing over finding the "perfect" preschool,then elem school. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/wink1.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="wink1">

 

[blsilva]

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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>L&IsMama</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/7998442"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">I just feel like ds would lose his natural love for learning,and that school would break his little spirit.</div>
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This is exactly how I felt until I decided to homeschool ds. Good for you for going with your instincts!