Deciding to homeschool your child who is on the autism spectrum can feel like and overwhelming task. It is definitely a big undertaking but there is also so much to be excited about too. You now have the opportunity to create a wonderful learning space for your child to thrive, learn and become the best that they can be. There is something so special about being able to design and bring to life an environment that you know will enrich their lives so much.
Below I am going to share with you some of favourite resources suggested by homeschooling parents of kids who are on the autism spectrum. Since I don’t have children on the spectrum I thought it prudent that I go direct to the source. My homeschooling community was quick to share what they have loved and what really just didn’t work.
Wobble Chair
Wobble chairs are fantastic satisfying that need to move. Children who need to fidget find that these chairs help immensely with concentration. It is not that children are not paying attention or being on task when they are tilting on their chairs constantly, it is the need to move that helps them to concentrate. In fact if they are required to sit still and not move this actually takes a lot more concentration and effort for them.
What I really love about this chair is the non-slip seat. This is great because you don’t have to worry about them falling off and hurting themselves or being disruptive to siblings who may also be working.
Sensory Cushions
I personally quite like these as well. The are soft rubber cushions that have bumps all over the surface to offer the sensory input that many children with autism need.
This sensory input helps the child concentrate and increases the amount of time that they are able to sit still. These are portable enough that you can take it where ever you may need it. For example to church, movies, theatre productions, planes or public transport. I really do love the flexibility of this one. I was actually at my friends house yesterday and quite enjoyed just squishing her son’s one.
Compression Clothes
I had no idea these things even existed until a few years ago and I saw them coming up on homeschool Buy Swap Sell pages. They were getting snapped up quicker than anything!
It is widely known that kids with austism like extra sensory input. There is no doubt that it helps them feel safe, and helps them to cope better with what can at times feel like a frightening and overwhelming envrionment.
What better way to get that sensory input that from your clothes! The idea is really ingenious. When your child wears these garments they feel like they are getting a hug. They help kids relax enough to be able to concentrate and get on with the task at hand or trying to seek the sensory input in other inappropriate ways.
Don’t worry about tags or seams because these garments are tag free and seamless! If you have a child with sensory issues I am sure you will understand what a huge deal this is, especially with socks! Have you ever tried looking for socks at Target that were seamless?!
SmartKnit Kids Compression Clothes
Chew Necklaces
This continues along with the sensory theme. Chew necklaces are another way to get that much needed sensory input. Chew necklaces are safe and designed for the purpose of chewing so you don’thave to worry about them gnawing away on things that could be harmful or that you don’t want them to break.
My youngest sister would always chew on her hair and the collar of her shirts. It was both gross and damaging to her hair and uniform shirts. My mother would be constantly getting annoyed at having to replace a $80 shirt every couple of months because she had chewed the collar to shreds.
If the same issue is occurring in your house try replacing the inappropriate object with a chew necklace or toy. They come in so many different shapes and designs. I think the Lego ones are particularly awesome looking.
Fidget Toys
There are so many fidget toys that you could buy. It will be a bit of trial and error. You can even make your own like slime and stress balls. We made our own stress balls a few weeks ago at our homeschool co-op. What we did was fill balloons with water beads. I can honestly tell you that, that was hands down the best stress ball I have ever had. It was super easy to do and they were amazing. Here’s some quick instructions:
- Fill empty plastic water bottle with water beads about half way.
- Blow up balloon a little and twist end so air doesn’t come out
- Carefully secure balloon end over water bottle
- Tip bottle upside down so all the water beads fall into balloon
- Let out extra air and tie up.
Fidget toys are great because they are usually small, and quiet. This allows your child to fidget while not being a distraction to others in the room.
Below is a link for a great little starter pack of all different kinds of fidgets. These would also make some great stocking stuffers.
Sensory Hammock
These things are the coolest! You can not tell me you have never wanted to be wrapped up like a cocoon before?! Every since my children were born they have loved to be wrapped tightly. I remember one time my then four year old was having the meltdown of her life. Nothing I was doing was calming her and she was in full on self destruct mode. I finally resorted to getting a queen size sheet and swaddling her up like a baby and rocking her. In less than a minute I felt her body relax.
This is what these hammocks do. They give that feeling of tightness and security that kids need sometimes. Not just kids on the autism spectrum but all kids. They are great for all that sensory input and a way to relax.
You are able to hang the from the ceiling, but what I find is the best part about these compared to other more sturdy hammocks is that this one is made entirely of fabric. Instead of having to have it as a permanent fixture in the room, it can be easily taken down and stored away or even tied up and out of the way when not in use.
Noise Cancelling Headphones
These are some of most highly regarded essentials for kids who really struggle with noise and too much auditory sensory input. The ability to be able to cut out unwanted noise is something children with autism crave. They way that they hear sound and is very much different to the typical brain. Everything is exaggerated and it can become too much to handle which can trigger self stimulating behaviours such as rocking or head banging or it can trigger melt downs.
Noise cancelling headphone can and will be such a blessing for a child who experiences the world like this. It can open up new doors to different places that may have been once avoided due to over stimulation or crowds and noise. It can help them to concentrate and be on task with the noise is no longer as distracting.
There are so many more wonderful resources you can use to make your homeschool a great place for your child to learn. However it is not about the things you buy or how amazing your learning areas look. It is about that unconditional love you have for your child. That is what is going to matter the most. The time spent with them, time spent teaching them and growing together is what is going to make you most successful as a homeschooling parent, all these extra things are just secondary to that. If you want to read more about how homeschooling can benefit your child on the autism spectrum head over HERE
