Are you a curriculum junkie? The hardest thing for this homeschooling mom is figuring out what curriculum to use without having “shiny thing” syndrome. Just when I select a curriculum, someone mentions something else, and I am off to explore what that curriculum looks like and why it would be a better choice than what I currently have selected. However, I am proud to announce that I have selected my 15 year old son’s autism homeschool curriculum.

Homeschooling a child with autism is definitely a challenge, but it is not impossible. In fact, some of those challenges have made homeschooling exciting after so many years of “normal schooling.” Additionally, I have found countless benefits of homeschooling an autistic child.

Homeschooling Curriculum for a Child on the Autism Spectrum

Once upon a time, I stressed about choosing homeschool curriculum. I would peruse the catalogs, or check out the latest offerings online and circle in the catalogs whatever I had my eye on. 

It is funny now to find an old catalog and see the things I wanted but never ordered. I am quite glad that I didn’t have enough money to purchase everything my heart desired as I am sure I would need to be living in a palace to house all the curriculum I would have bought.

Jack-Jack is such a joy to try to teach. He rarely complains about “learning,” however, his biggest issues revolve around retention and not desire to learn. About a decade ago, I learned a secret about teaching my children – teach where they are at, normalize the fact that we all struggle in some area, and just love them where they are.

Here is my 2020-2021 curriculum rundown for homeschooling my child with autism:

Math:

CTCMath and Mathseeds

Science:

Homeschooling with Movies

English/Phonics:

Reading Eggs and Explode the Code

History:

Homeschooling with Movies

Foreign Language:

OptiLingo

Elective: Art

Beyond the Stick Figure

In the Kitchen:

Homeschooling with Movies

Music:

Piano

Bible:

Homeschooling with Movies

Jack-Jack needs to constantly repeat the same materials. I like CTCMath, and Jack-Jack likes the animation of Mathseeds. Using two programs gives us the best of both worlds. Additionally, Mathseeds offers a unique way of teaching other subjects including habitats and countries around the world.

Homeschooling with Movies offers a unique way of teaching using Disney movies as the basis. These movies take a look at character traits, science experiments, history, geography, recipes, and more as we explore the elements of the movie. This exciting curriculum offers a small group component that is a great way to share with fellow users and offer suggestions to improve your homeschool days!

Beyond the Stick Figure Art is a great introduction course to drawing, watercolor and more. This video course is taught by a gentle soul who will guide your child (or you) to becoming a better artist.

Music. We are continuing Piano Lessons. Jack-Jack has been taking piano lesson for a couple years and he is enjoying it. We will continue taking lessons until it is no longer enjoyable.

Bible: Homeschooling with Movies. These optional lessons within the curriculum give you verses and ideas for developing great character in your child.

So there you have our Autism Homeschool Curriculum for the Year 2020-2021.