Determine if your autistic child will actually benefit from being homeschooled. Some autistic children, especially those considered highly functioning, may actually do better in a public school setting. Talk with any doctors and professionals who work with your child and consider their opinions before withdrawing your child from his existing educational program.
Choose a homeschooling curriculum. According to the Autism Society of America, the Charlotte Mason system is well respected among the parents and educators of autistic children. It features lessons set into literature, rather than the dry textbook approach many autistic children struggle to comprehend. Online programs are also popular, but can be more difficult to find tailored to fit the special needs of an autistic child. No matter what curriculum you choose, you will need to alter it to fit your child's individual strengths and weaknesses.
Contact any homeschooling groups in your area, even if they are not specifically designed for homeschooling autistic or special-needs children. The support and resources offered by these groups can make the difference between success and failure when homeschooling a child.
Make a plan for socialization that will fit your child's behavioral patterns and social abilities. Socialization can be a difficult task, but is crucial for autistic children. Join any special-needs or accommodating homeschooling social groups, and set regular dates for play and interaction time.
Study and understand the education requirements that your local school system and state educational board have set. Some states require yearly or quarterly assessment testing and for parents to submit detailed lesson plans, while others require nothing more than a signed document asserting that the parent is fully responsible for his child's education.
Continue to take advantage of any therapy offered by your local public school. Even after you have withdrawn your child for homeschooling, she is eligible for speech, behavioral and other therapies through the Individualized Education Plan program. Many of the most effective therapy techniques used in public school settings, such as early intervention behavior therapy, can be difficult for parents to correctly use on their own.
Use educational videos and hands-on learning activities to increase your child's understanding of difficult-to-teach subjects. According to Kathy Kuhl in "Homeschooling Your Struggling Learner," autistic children often respond better to visual stimulation. Educational toys and activities also help engage them in the learning process, leading to a higher comprehension level.
Be patient. Setbacks and struggles will likely occur, just as they would if your child was enrolled in public school. Reevaluate your child's progress and successes quarterly, and keep clear records of his progress. If he isn't responding well to the methods you're using, you may need to try a new curriculum or seek help from a professional.
Educate yourself about the various methods that have been proven to work best for educating children on the autism spectrum. These include sensory integration, occupational therapy, and intensive behavioral therapy.
Seek out programs and assistance in unexpected places. By talking with local education advocates, autism awareness groups and state-level education board members, you may be able to discover resources and support you were unaware of. There are a variety of state and national grants available for the parents of autistic children to use for private therapy, purchasing curricula and other educational purposes.