Homeschooling if no suitable provision

[MyCircusMyMonkeys]

We've asked for DS (HFA/Aspergers/ASD depending on your preferred term!) to have a place at a local SN unit, as he is not coping at mainstream. His current infants school are doing all they can, but he's not going to manage in mainstream Juniors next year (he's nearly 7yo).

So, we're in the waiting stage between the Big Meeting and finding out what the LA has decided. I'm considering what to do if they say no, and if we fail on appeal.

Has anyone successfully managed to work and homeschool? If we do this, does it mean I have to give up work? (I love my job, but obviously DS comes first) If the two can be combined, how on earth do you find the time?

Does anyone have experience of HSing an ASD child? Is there anything special to consider in terms of the curriculum or method of delivery?

Really interested to hear anyone's views or experiences.

Lots of people work and HE. One of the advantages is that you don't have to deliver the education at set times so you can fit it whenever suits your lifestyle. Once relationships are established with other home educators, it's common for other parents to take other people's children to activities during the day. There are always solutions.

I have home educated my son with autism and ADHD. We did it for seven years from the beginning of Y5 till he started college in September. We had a blast , and he did very well with exams. It's a wonderful way of living and learning for a child with autism, because you have so much more control of stressful situations so you're able to manage anxiety levels - children with autism tend to progress very well in HE, which is perhaps why it's so common.

Tbh you can HE whichever way you see fit, which is ideal for autism. There are loads of approaches to it, you pretty much pick your own way, and adjust to whatever suits your child.

There's a very good book called Paths Are Made By Walking that you might find useful. It's a good introduction to HE with autism, and might give you some ideas about what's possible.

If you haven't already, take a look at the current legislation in the 2007 Guidelines for LAs here which will tell you all you need to know about rights and responsibilities on both sides.

You might find you'll get more responses if you post in HE section of MN, or SN Chat/Children. Lots of people there HE too.

There's a good Facebook group for home educators of children with special needs, which is also worth a look here

It might be worth searching Facebook for local HE groups (search Home Education or Home Schooling and your town), and ask about local activities and what kind of network there is. You'll probably be surprised by how much is going on where you are. People are usually friendly and welcoming and you'll be sure to find someone who can give you local advice.

Thank you QueenShrieky