the tools we had developed when they were a preschooler have been outgrown. Their triggers and struggles have changed; they need more support with social skills. They are also now more capable of being responsible for their own reactions.
Getting an IEP for my autistic son was a nightmare, it included a denial and an advocate. His needs don’t show up accurately in the testing environment because he is a good reader and has a great memory. We tried applying a second time after we had his official Autism diagnosis and it was uphill battle because their previous testing showed no need. Eventually we got one only to have it reduced the next year. He was thriving, but he was thriving only because of the IEP accommodations. We knew he would not be able to adjust to a normal classroom environment.
I see you struggling to homeschool your challenging child. I see you struggling to decide if the public school is doing enough for your child. You question if you can give them everything they need to succeed. You question what you are doing wrong to create the challenges you are facing with your child. Let me tell you, Mom, you are doing a great job!
A Sensory Diet is activities we can do at home to help him regulate their atypical need for sensory input. When you see special-needs kids rocking back and forth, banging into things and people, or flapping their hands, those are often signs that the kid is attempting (in socially awkward ways) to get sensory input that their brain is craving but isn’t getting.
One of the hardest parts about parenting an autistic child is that there is no one with all the answers for you. The spectrum is broad and each child is unique. This makes getting advice and plotting the best course for your child’s education unique and difficult. Many families find homeschooling a good fit for their child’s needs while others find success in the public school.
