Homeschool

I’m autistic with autistic kids who homeschool and we unschool. From my own research I thought it was the best way to teach autistic kids imo.

My 5 year old was accepted to an autism specific school was thinking honestly home school but thought he really needs school for social interaction and social skills he lost that for the first 2 years due to civid and serious lockdowns in Australia causing severe social awareness snd interactions with other kids outside of his siblings which caused him to fear kids in general still at age 5 he struggles kids being near him do I decided homeschooling would just make his antisocial traits worse. The autism school hus going to are supportive snd understand what an autistic child needs to shine and help him strengthen his social skills and teach him coping skills to regulate his emotions etc. Also to if I'm struggling with regulation etc homeschooling him when I'm unsure how to work with him could make him loose the opportunity to be around kids like him and teachers who could help him and I with skills to cope with things we struggle daily with at home

We do some therapy’s at an school for kids at autism. I would suggest seeing that’s an option In your area.

I’m from the UK, so may be different in the US. Try and have a look on local schools websites - most of them in UK have their curriculum online so you could get ideas what other children that age are working on. Personally, I’d focus on communication and finding what works for your child - such as sign language or PECS etc. I’d also focus on social skills - maybe turn taking games, and independence skills - using cutlery, handwashing, dressing etc. Academically, early number, early writing / mark making, phonics / letter sounds, fine motor skills, crafts, construction, role play are probably the main activities that would be happening in a school at that age, as well as celebrating other cultures, holidays, learning about their world. You can adapt any of these to make them suitable for your child’s needs - numbers may be through songs and practical items, writing maybe done using sensory media such as sand etc xxx

Also, have a look at special schools websites too - you’ll probably find lots of inspiration/ ideas on there xxx

Oh, also forgot to mention - teaching co-regulation / self- regulation through emotions. And how to meet sensory needs - sensory circuits, swings, spinning etc. again, lots of information freely available online xxx

Public school special ed teacher here - I LOVE homeschooling! If you were ever trying to get services thru the school district it’s a catch-22. Make sure you’re signed up for homeschooling through your state so you’re not found truant once your son turns 7. Unschooling is great. It makes you a facilitator of learning, not the teacher of math-science-social studies…etc. Following curriculums make things easier, but really just use your own child’s interests to facilitate their learning. For example if he has a hyper focus like transportation (like my 2yo), have him write letters using cars, allow for lots of sensory play. It helps keep him calm while learning. Science can be lots of nature. Your school district may be able to share their curriculum in terms of topics and/or activities, so reach out to ask and you can do some in your own home (your own way!) Finding ways to communicate is great, so visuals and choice boards would be a great way to start that. Don’t forget SEL!

No one here’s answered your question: math-u-see or hand-to-mind have great tactile approaches, and reading: depends on your learner. Read to him while pointing out words A LOT. And with things like letter sounds and sight words-have him point to the correct one. Use magnet boards/letters for spelling and letter/sound ID. Most importantly let him play ❤️