Choosing the best homeschooling approach for neurodivergent kids can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.
Every child learns differently, and for those with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or other neurodivergent traits, a flexible and personalized education can make all the difference. Homeschooling offers the unique opportunity to tailor learning environments, schedules, and teaching methods to suit your child’s strengths and challenges.
In this post, we’ll explore some of the best homeschooling approaches for neurodivergent kids, helping you create a learning experience that is both effective and empowering.
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Best Homeschooling Approach for Neurodivergent Kids
When homeschooling neurodivergent children (ADHD, autism, dyslexia, etc.), the best style often depends on their specific needs. In episode 301 of the Homeschool with Moxie Podcast, we’ll discuss a breakdown of homeschool styles that work well for different neurodivergent learners.
Coming soon!
Understanding Your Child’s Needs
Maybe we should define some terms first! We throw around terms like neurodivergent, but what exactly does that mean in our context as homeschoolers? What do we need to know?
Here’s an official definition:
Neurodivergent is a term used to describe individuals whose brains function differently from what is considered typical or “neurotypical.” This can include differences in thinking, learning, processing, and behavior. Neurodivergence often includes conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and other cognitive variations. Rather than viewing these differences as deficits, the concept of neurodivergence recognizes them as natural variations in how people experience and interact with the world.
So, in homeschool parlance, neurodivergence just recognizes what we all know about our kids – none of them belong in a box! None of them are “standardized” and this is one big reason why most of us homeschool – for the freedom and flexibility to create an individualized education plan.
Identifying Learning Styles
As a part of understanding your child’s needs, you’ll want to dive into understanding their best learning style – are they mainly a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learner? This will help you troubleshoot and find a homeschooling style that best fits them.
We had a great interview with Dr. Kathy Koch about the 8 Great Smarts and how to find the strengths in each of our children. Check out that interview to learn more!
I know that as a mom of a dyslexic child, it was encouraging to see the strengths and special gifting of that particular child, even while some traditional learning was a struggle.
As you customize the learning for your child, also consider things like sensory sensitivities, attention span, and social needs. All of these aspects will play a role in choosing the best homeschooling approach for your neurodivergent kids.
Best Homeschooling Approaches
If you’re not familiar with the main homeschool methodologies, take a minute and head on over to our extensive post on the Essential Guide to Homeschool Methods.
You can also download the guide in our library for FREE!
Here’s a quick run-down of the most common homeschooling methods, along with a short list of the pros and cons of each for the neurodivergent student.
You can download a handy cheatsheet with all this information in one place by signing up below!
1. Montessori (Great for ADHD, Autism)
The benefits of a Montessori approach include its hands-on and sensory-rich learning style. The child-led pace also reduces frustration. A Montessori approach is movement-friendly with no rigid schedules, which is very helpful to many neurodivergent learners.
The main challenge is that the Montessori approach can require more prep and materials than other methods.
2. Charlotte Mason (Great for Dyslexia, ADHD)
The short lessons of a Charlotte Mason education are ideal for ADHD attention spans. Charlotte Mason boasts literature-based learning, which can be adjusted for dyslexics with the use of audiobooks. Neurodivergent learners also benefit from nature study and hands-on activities.
A Charlotte Mason approach may require modifications for reading-heavy elements for your neurodivergent kids.
3. Unit Studies (Great for ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia)
A Unit Study approach can be engaging for neurodivergent learners, as it includes hands-on projects, activities, and focuses on one topic across multiple subjects. It also allows deep dives into special interests, which is a great plus for kids with autism.
The main challenge here is that a Unit Study approach can require significant parent planning to pull it off well.
4. Unschooling (Great for ADHD, Autism)
The child-led learning of the Unschooling Approach supports hyper focus and special interests. With no rigid schedules, your neurodivergent learners will have reduced stress and anxiety. Unschooling also allows for real-world learning and socialization at a comfortable pace.
Unschooling requires trust in the learning process, which can be challenging for parents.
5. Classical Education (Modified) (Great for Dyslexia, Autism)
The beauty of Classical Homeschooling is its strong logical framework, which is helpful for autism’s structured thinking. There is an emphasis on memory and logic, which is great, but could also lead to frustration for some struggling learners. Audiobooks are a must for helping your dyslexic learner to access great literature.
If you choose a Classical approach, you’ll likely need to modify it to meet the needs of your struggling learner. This might look like requiring less writing or alternative reading methods.
6. Waldorf (Great for ADHD, Autism)
The Waldorf Method is arts-based and includes a storytelling approach which keeps engagement high. It has an emphasis on routine but without rigidity, and its delayed academics reduces pressure.
The Waldorf Method embraces less tech-based learning, which may or may not be a good fit for your family.
7. Eclectic Homeschooling (Best for Mixing Methods)
The Eclectic Homeschooling approach is almost the best of everything, because you can pick and choose what you like the best from all the various methods above. It allows customization to your child’s strengths and challenges along with the flexibility to change styles as needed. Eclectic Homeschooling also combines structure with child-led elements, leading to a very relaxed yet efficient homeschool.
The main challenge with Eclectic Homeschooling is that it requires trial and error to find the right mix! But if you don’t mind the challenge and you like the ability to be able to pivot as needed in your homeschool, Eclectic Homeschooling may be a great fit.
Tips for Success
As you’re considering which approach to use with your neurodivergent kids, keep these extra tips in mind:
- For ADHD: Use short lessons, movement-based learning, and clear routines.
- For Autism: Focus on special interests, visual supports, and predictable schedules.
- For Dyslexia: Use audiobooks, Orton-Gillingham-based reading programs, and hands-on learning.
As parents of neurodivergent learners – and just about every type of learner! – knows, the more you can incorporate movement and breaks, the better.
Final Thoughts on Best Homeschooling Approach for Neurodivergent Kids
Remember, you know your child best. Not the school or teacher down the street, but YOU, the parent. You are your child’s best cheerleader and best teacher.
You can definitely experiment and adapt methods as needed. It’s all a learning process, and you’ll eventually find the best homeschooling approach for your neurodivergent kids.
There’s also no “one-size-fits-all” approach – your child is unique and homeschooling gives you the most freedom and flexibility to provide a customized education for your student.
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