Download – Homeschooling Your Special Needs Child
On this episode of Special Kid School Talk Dr. Kari welcomes back mother Bobbi Sheahan, mother of a child with autism, who talks about how to homeschool your special needs child, what type of children and parents have the most success with homeschooling, and how to provide your homeschooled child with a social life as well as an appropriate education.
Bobbi Sheahan is the co-author, along with Kathy DeOrnellas, PhD, of the book, What I Wish I’d Known About Raising a Child With Autism: A Mom and a Psychologist Offer Heartfelt Advice for the First Five Years (Future Horizons, 2011).
Click here to see Bobbi Sheahan website.
Year-Round “Back to School” Support Strategies for Special Needs Parents
Our students have had more than the usual dose of blows to their self-concept. This leads them to develop learned helplessness, a belief that they can’t be successful. Naturally, when a child believes he can’t do well in school, he doesn’t play full out. He doesn’t give it his best effort. He’s not being willful or disobedient; he’s protecting and defending himself from failure and more blows to his ego.
Some children settle into the school routine easier than others do. Children who’ve had more difficulty with the social or academic aspects of school can have more difficulty acclimating to the educational environment. If your child takes time to adjust and relax with the new school year, he or she may be experiencing an unconscious anticipation of negative events. Naturally, the antidote to expecting the worst is learning how to expect the best!
Download – Back To School Tips
It’s back to school for Special Kids! Some kids have difficulty with the transition back to school and yet others can’t wait to see their friends again. This download will teach you ways to help your child transition back to school and get organized to be successful. We also share tips for enlisting teachers and tutors as your child’s ally. Is homework time stressful in your home? This show teaches you ways to make homework time more successful and pleasant.
Download the show MP3 (right click and ‘save as’)
Listen to Special Kid School Talk the first Sunday of every month (except for major holidays) at 3pm PST.
Back to school routines for special needs parents
Children with ADD, ADHD, autism, learning disabilities and other special needs often have difficulty with the social or academic aspects of school and they can be reluctant to return to the demands of the educational environment. Parents who build in support with routines established and maintained during the summer help their child feel safe and secure as they venture back to the world of school and friendships.
Begin the transition process early
At least a month in advance, show your child on the calendar when school will start. Include a little drawing of something that symbolizes fun to your child, such as a kickball or an artist’s palette—something that he connects with school.
Back plan from that date, writing into the calendar times to go shopping for clothes, school supplies, and a cool new book bag.
Also plan ahead for end of summer fun experiences such as a day at the beach or a barbeque with friends. Be sure your child knows these great events are coming up and looks forward to them. Read more
Back To School Tips
On the August 1st episode of Special Kid School Talk we’ll be discussing getting your child ready for school, working with teachers, and making homework time efficient and successful. Join us and call in with your questions at 3pm PST.
Build Your Child’s Enthusiasm for School
Children who’ve had more difficulty with the social or academic aspects of school can be reluctant to return to the demands of the educational environment. The antidote to reluctance is to get a toehold on eager anticipation of FUN!
- Help your child stay focused on and excitedly anticipate the people, places and activities he or she enjoys, such as joining a team, seeing a good friend, or getting to wear that new shirt!
- Make plans with your child about the first days of school, guiding her to expect the best outcomes! Talk about all the cool things she’ll learn in her favorite class, who she’ll eat lunch with, and how nice the new teacher will be. The more she focuses on desirable outcomes, the more she will want to head back to school!
Find Me On Twitter and Facebook
