Homeschooling A Child With Severe Disabilities

Hi,

I also have a dd10 with a rare chromosome disorder (partial duplication on chromo 2).  She has met her milestones but later than typical.  She only had a few words at the age of 3-4 so I can understand to some degree the challenge you have with that.  She is mobile…allergic to sitting still is more appropriate…but we’re making progress.

I think you have a lot of options with home schooling your oldest but the most important factor comes down to the “why.”  This is between you and your husband (and God).  It’s great if you can come up with a mission statement of some sort as it will give you something to reflect upon when you hit those hard days.  Your 3 and 1 yo will also be able to bless their sister (and you) as they get older and more capable of life skills.

I feel like the CM philosophy has been invaluable to us as a family with special needs.  The short lessons, habit training, nature study, literature, and living books have allowed us all to grow in our own ways.  Do we have meltdowns?  Absolutely!  It took my dd 3 years to form a letter correctly.  She’s slowly learning to read (we use ABeCeDarian available at amazon) and it’s awesome b/c it doesn’t focus on rules.  Prior to that, we did sign language, picture signs, charts, etc.  And if your dd is doing well with receptive language then keep going with the read-alouds/audiobooks…if/when she does speak it will allow her the much needed vocabulary to communicate.

What are other options in your area should you send her to school?

I’m free to chat on the phone if that’s easier for you too.  It’s hard but so worth it.

I agree, you will want to consider what goals you have for your child, and then set out to work towards them. You may need or want some therapies as support to your efforts. What would she do in a public school system? Is there value in what they would do or does it not meet your goals for your child?

Can you be a bit more specific on the non-mobile? If she’s using some form of PECS to make choices I’m guessing she is moving arms to some degree? If writing by hand won’t be a goal then what would be? Maybe exercises to strengthen what control she has, with a goal to being able to use a communication device? Does she have/use a wheelchair (power or not, you pushing her even)? Is she usually laying down, sitting, etc?

I think if her receptive is more than her expressive language then I would always assume she can learn and enjoy it and frame her ‘school day’ around  ways for her to receive ideas to think about and enjoy. For example, reading aloud to her, listening to music, audio books, shows on tv that she can enjoy and learn from. What does her day to day look like now? What small changes can you make to your current rhythm to add some learning in?