Autism Resources and Community (ARC)

Top 10 Blogs on Homeschooling Autistic or Special Needs Students

Written by Samantha Russell | 10/29/23 8:50 PM

 

Looking for informative and helpful resources and blogs for homeschooling your autistic or special needs child? We’ve got you covered. 

In addition to our library of Autism Resources & Community content, STAGES® Learning has handpicked the top 10 blogs for parents and caregivers homeschooling autistic or special needs children. 

Hear inspiring stories from other parents, share creative tools, locate valuable curriculum information, and join a network of families navigating the complex journey of homeschooling children with learning differences.

 

1.

Shawna Wingert, an author and proud mom of two boys with special needs created differentbydesignlearning.com as a resource focused on strength-based learning within the homeschooling setting. Strength-based learning helps families design their curriculum based on their child’s interests and skills. 

This website consists of informative blogs for caregivers of children with special needs, engaging individualized lesson plans, and supportive strategies for struggling readers.



2.  

Peggy Ployhar, writer and blogger, said her vision is to unite a community of trustworthy support, encouragement, and helpful materials for homeschooling parents and caregivers of neurodiverse students. From teaching tools, empowering media, community connections, and planning guides ⸺ this website offers resources to help all learners reach their full potential in the home setting. 

Do you have success stories or tips to share or want to connect with other parents? This site welcomes you to contribute information on their resource sharing group, connect with others on their homeschool support page, or join in on weekly podcasts about various homeschool topics.

 

3. 

Affiliated with the Texas Homeschool Coalition Association (THSC), the Homeeducator.com Special Needs Support Toolbox provides parents and caregivers with an array of resources, information on low-cost or free therapy options, a compiled list of useful organizations nationwide, and a comprehensive look into the legal considerations when homeschooling a child with special needs. Additionally, explore the generated list of exciting apps that can be incorporated into your educational routine.

 

4.

Do you have a gifted child who loves science, discovering nature, using their imagination, and who learns best by hands-on exploration? This site is for you. Colleen Kessler, a gifted specialist, educational consultant, author, speaker, and homeschooling mom of four, combines blog content and podcasts that include creative thinking lessons and group coaching to assist in homeschooling the gifted child.

 

5.

For over 20 years, Homeschool.com has offered tools, product reviews, advice, and guides for families to make their home-educating experience just a little bit easier. Visit their Special Needs Homeschooling page for a list of the latest articles on homeschooling a child with special needs, answers to the most frequently asked questions, and encouraging support from other parents like you. Especially useful on Homeschool.com is information on how to locate funding for homeschooling special needs children. From compassion grants to government funding, assistance is available from a variety of sources.

Be sure to check out their curriculum finder where you will discover a comprehensive list of curriculums including our very own ARIS® Academic Readiness Intervention System Language Builder. This will help you narrow down a curriculum that will best meet your family’s needs.

 

6.

Created from a special needs parents’ perspective, Raisingtheextraordinary.com contains insightful resources to encourage and support families in their homeschooling endeavors. Follow the “Homeschooling Children with Special Needs” and “Parenting Children with Special Needs” tabs to locate a collection of articles on all things homeschooling and special needs. This site shares personally reviewed spelling and reading resources, along with several book recommendations for parents of children with special needs. 

 

7.

Specialneedshomeschooling.com is a resource developed by the mother of an autistic with mitochondrial disease who wanted to fill a gap in the homeschooling community. She now has over 20,000 followers in her community of special needs families and received the award for The Homeschool Post’s Best Special Needs Homeschooling Blog and Top 10 Most Encouraging Blogs. Navigate the three different sections: blogs, shop, and special needs resources for a wealth of material and guidance.



8.

Looking for inspiration, creative ideas, or practical tips to make reading and writing more interesting for your child? Thisreadingmama.com is a site composed of numerous free printables, educational games, and learning activities. Also, interactive literacy apps are available that can be customized to the learner’s specific needs. Learning materials for purchase can also be found under the shop section. 



9.  

Veteran homeschool mother, educator, and blogger Jimmie Quick designed ihomeschoolnetwork.com to connect homeschooling parents through social media outlets. Under the blogs tab, you will find a vast variety of topics including special needs, encouragement, STEM, and extracurriculars. 

If you are new to homeschooling a child with special needs, you should read “The Truth About Special Needs Homeschooling” for reassuring advice.

 

10.   

Here at Stages Learning, we are dedicated to supporting homeschooling families of autistic children by offering free information, lesson plans, teaching tools, research, and reference materials to ensure that every child can learn and thrive. 

We invite you to browse our Autism Resource & Community page for access to hundreds of blogs focusing on educating autistic children and special needs. Likewise, under the free autism teaching tools tab find downloadable autism learning materials for your homeschool classroom. 

Learn how our ARIS curriculum can transform your homeschool educational needs in one comprehensive kit! ARIS takes the guesswork out of homeschooling your autistic child by providing easy-to-follow step-by-step lesson plans, data sheets, and everything you need to get a quick assessment of your child’s abilities so you can dive in and start teaching!

Homeschooling is not “one size fits all.” There are many free resources available for families of homeschooling children with learning differences. Stages Learning is committed to providing you with content that makes you feel confident and informed as you guide your child on their learning journey.

For additional help with homeschooling see our other articles to help you on your journey. 

 

Which blogs are you finding most helpful and supportive in your special needs homeschooling experience? Please let us know!