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Alternative schooling options

Updated: Sep 29, 2024

It's time to re-think how we manage the education of Autistic kids.


They learn differently


They socialize differently


They do not want to sit still for another lecture on something they

A. Don't understand


B. Understand so clearly they see the flaws in the teachers teaching.


You see, one autistic trait is to obsess. Another autistic trait is to be really good at some subjects but not others. So what happens in public schools is an autistic kiddo is bombing in English and bored out of their mind in math. In their minds math is fun and English is boring so why would I put energy into that? Why do I care about either of those if my brain is art oriented. Would we want to give up the subjects they aren't good at? I think not! I think they need a just right challenge in those subjects.





Another thing I see in my autistic populous is that they often don't want to sit still. Many of them are paired with ADHD and most of them are paired with a sensory processing challenge. The principles of neurotypical schools don't always understand the severity of this problem and so they offer a 504 unless the kids severely behind then they whip out the IEP.



But even the IEP is often a wiggle cushion, fidget toy, and an occasional break from the class that isn't always allowed by the teacher. The amount of parents that come to me complaining about the lack of IEP follow through is not small and the IEP my daughter had fell short and she would still end each day in a meltdown.


So we decided to homeschool.




Option #1 Homeschool https://www.azed.gov/esa


In Arizona, we have a pretty good homeschooling setup. You sign up for the empowerment scholarship of America program (link above) where they give you the money you would have spent to get your kid to go to school. You then can spend that money as you see fit. We are getting about 32k a year for my two kids and that pays for curriculum, sports, and even a garden in the backyard. Homeschooling has been an amazing journey because


A. Both my kids are learning way faster

B. My daughter is no longer losing her mind after school

C. My wife is sane since my daughter is sane

D. My kids are more willing to do stuff in the garage with me because I call it "dads garage class"

E. There are other homeschoolers nearby with similar aged kidos.


You do have to be able to live off one income which is hard in current times so here I give you further options.


Option #2 Autism specific private schools paid for by ESA funds


I have talked to quite a few parent now who have their kids in private autism schools. I ask alot of questions because I am a dad of an autistic girl and homeschooling was no small decision. My wife had a career and was not sure if taking the plunge would be worth it. General responses of autism specific schools is this:

  1. My kid loves it

  2. It's too soon to tell

  3. So far so good

  4. It's not great but it's WAY better than public schools


So overall pretty positive


But it's not all great


Here is a current picture of my wife 2 months into homeschooling



Neither of us were ready to handle homeschooling an autistic girl and her brother. I'm a therapist and worked in the air force for goodness sakes and we are sinking some days. Homeschooling is not for the meek hearted. I suggest you speak with another homeschool family before jumping.


Life update 3 months later:

We have come to adjust to the new routine. We feel better than ever. My children are growing into humans that we are proud of. My kids learned to skate, ride bikes up and down big hills, and can do basic gymnastics. They are age appropriate in all academic ventures and make friends everywhere they go.




If I have scared you away from homeschool. Here are a list of good schools my clients rave about.

Last updated Fall 2024


  • Hope Academy for Autism

  • Autism Academy for Education and Development

    • Gilbert Campus: 2061 S. Gilbert Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85295

    • Phone: 480-240-9255

    • Website: aaed.org

  • Polaris Academy

    • Location: Mesa, AZ (Contact for specific address)

    • Phone: 480-903-1710

    • Website: polarisacademy.org

  • Chrysalis Academy

    • Location: 14228 N. 44th St., Phoenix, AZ 85032 (Close to Scottsdale)

    • Phone: 480-839-6000

    • Website: chrysalisacademy.org

  • Gateway Academy

    • Location: 3939 E. Shea Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85028

    • Phone: 602-795-0505

    • Website: gatewayacademy.us

  • Lexington Life Academy

  • AZ Aspire Academy

    • Location: 14647 S. 50th St., Phoenix, AZ 85044

    • Phone: 480-420-6630

    • Website: azaspireacademy.com


 
 
 

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