Homeschooling special needs children has its own unique challenges and blessings. From autism homeschooling to homeschooling a child with intellectual disability, home education affords you the opportunity to customize your child’s learning experience to his or her ability and lifestyle.
Basically, special needs can be defined as any condition causing a child to have difficulty functioning in the ways that the world would deem as “normal.”
Your child may have difficulty reading or comprehending, difficulty relating to other people in social situations or difficulty with transitioning throughout the activities of a school environment.
Homeschooling Special Needs in Texas
There is no standard curriculum for a child with specific diagnoses. THSC is able to offer you a variety of curricula suggestions, learning style ideas, and more. Email the special needs team at specialneeds@thsc.org
THSC does not endorse a specific group or organization. The resources we provide are merely a starting point for you and your child with special needs. It is for you to determine what is best for your individual situation. Visit HomeEducator.com to access free resources for special needs students.
HomeEducator.com Special Needs Page
Homeschool IEP Template (How to Write Your Own IEP)
If your special needs child has attended public school, you may be familiar with the Individualized Education Program (IEP) prepared by the school for your student. If you are withdrawing your child from public school, it is wise to have the most recent IEP to help you remember what has already been determined as successful processes and modifications in his or her education.
THSC can help you navigate through the process of developing your child’s IEP. There is no legal requirement by the state of Texas for a child who is homeschooled to have an IEP, but it is highly beneficial to have all your goals for your special needs student gathered and organized into one place.
With the IEP Generator, it is simple to keep track of specific testing records, accommodations and modifications, and specific learning goals you set for your child. Plus, this document can be used when working with therapists, doctors, the college testing board and higher institutions of learning.
The IEP Generator is available (free) to THSC members, and THSC also offers the IEP for purchase for non-members. The template makes it easy-peasy to create a fully customized plan for your child!
The state of Texas does not require any school records, but keeping records will benefit your child. Read our in-depth article on keeping homeschool records (including practical how-to’s and best practices).
Keeping these records allows you to monitor your special needs student’s progress plus assist you in planning future school years. These homeschool records also enable you to communicate with your child’s therapists and/or educators on tasks mastered by your child and those that are still a work in progress.
By keeping records, homeschooling your special needs student through high school is doable as well!
Ready to start homeschooling? Learn how to homeschool. Be sure to also read our expanded guide on Texas Homeschool Laws.
Still have questions? Visit our FAQ page.
We believe that raising children—including those with special needs—is a family’s God-given right and calling, which is why we support families with encouragement and practical resources like you found in this article. Sign up for email notifications for more encouraging articles!
