Hi there,

We are starting our Homeschool journey after about 3 years of thinking and praying about it. Our kids are 6, 5 ( with autism) and almost 2. We are very excited about it!

Our little guy with autism / PDD is very receptive to learning, reading, and activities, but we do have issues with schedules, transitions, and expectations. He had a picture schedule at preschool, and I'm wondering if anyone has experience planning our day! We rarely use his schedule anymore, as he is fully verbal. He reads very well and has good comprehension. BUT, he has a volatile personality and can get upset when things don't go his way.

Should I use a schedule (picture or word) daily to help structure our day? I guess it wouldn't hurt to do so at first.

Also, OT and Speech are no longer available through school, and I'm considering inviting a therapist to come over to do a home program..one where I do the exercises with him. Is that possible? Do speech and ot's do that? I'd love them to come give us ideas, etc, and convene occasionally.

If not, does anyone know of some good home resources for speech and ot stuff?

Thanks! Heather

Hi Hez,
My younger son has ODD and in preschool he had a picture schedule also. I found that when he does not have the picture schedule his behaviors are worse. My son is verbal also but to control his behaviors he needs the picture schedule. I hope this helps you.
Andrea

Hi Andrea,
There are some great pictures at www.do2learn.com - and they are free! I've used these for lots of stuff with my kids.
Also, have you checked out www.NATHHAN.com? They are the national group for homeschoolers who have challenged children. You'll find tons of resources there.
Blessings,
Christine

Hey Hez,
Welcome! Please visit often and let us encourage you!
See my prior entry about picture charts and NATHHAN.
Let us hear from you!
Blessings,
Christine

Hi Christine,
Yes I have used both sites and love them both. Thanks for the info though. Both sites have been a God send for me.
Andrea

Hey Hez,
Let us know how your homeschool year is going. I pray you are off to a strong start.
Blessings,
Christine

Thanks for checking in! How sweet. We are doing wonderfully, thus far. We started last week. We are all enjoying the schedule, freedom, and ability to concentrate on what we want to when we want to. No regrets.

Justin will be starting OT privately soon, as well as continuing with Little Gym, which he adores.

Our schedule has been loose so far, but I'm recording our daily activities and I'll make a schedule of sorts when I know what to include on it. So far, he's been appeased by the velcro on days calendar I bought for our family room. He loves to know what day it is...

Thanks for the do2learn website..what a FIND. He played all the games on it too.

I appreciate the support. I have two of your books...harried homeschooler and homeschooling your challenging child...both nice. I picked them off of different bookshelved in different bookstores not knowing they were both by you, but they were the most interesting, applicable, and I love your Christian view.

Thanks again, Heather
hezbryan