Homeschooling is a real option some autism families seriously consider, for reasons ranging from sensory overwhelm in traditional classrooms to a desire for more individualized pacing. Here's an honest look at what's worth thinking through.
Common Reasons Families Consider It
Families often consider homeschooling for reasons including: significant sensory sensitivities that make a traditional classroom environment genuinely difficult, a desire for more individualized pacing than a classroom of twenty-plus students can offer, difficulty accessing appropriate support within the local school system despite advocacy efforts, or a child's specific anxiety or school-avoidance patterns that traditional schooling hasn't adequately addressed.
Potential Benefits
Homeschooling can offer: control over the sensory environment and daily structure, flexibility to pace instruction to your child's specific learning profile rather than a group average, more direct integration of therapy and educational goals throughout the day, and reduced exposure to social dynamics (bullying, exclusion) that some autistic children experience in traditional school settings.
Real Challenges Worth Considering Honestly
It's worth being equally honest about the challenges: homeschooling requires a significant time and energy commitment from a parent or caregiver, often one already managing therapy schedules and appointments; it can reduce structured peer interaction opportunities, which some children need deliberate alternative avenues to access (through therapy, community programs, or organized homeschool social groups); and it removes access to some school-based services that come automatically with public school enrollment, meaning families need to actively arrange therapy and support services independently.
Michigan's Homeschooling Requirements
Michigan has comparatively minimal formal homeschooling requirements compared to some states — homeschooling families are generally not required to register with the state or follow a state-mandated curriculum, though it's worth confirming current requirements directly, since regulations can be updated.
Special Education Services While Homeschooling
Homeschooled children with disabilities in Michigan generally have more limited access to public school special education services than enrolled students — this varies by district and specific service, so it's worth researching your local district's policies directly if this is a consideration. Families sometimes pursue private evaluations and services (including ABA therapy) independently to fill this gap.
A Hybrid Approach Is Also an Option
Homeschooling doesn't have to mean total isolation from other educational resources — some families use a hybrid approach, combining homeschool instruction with specific outside classes, therapy services, or part-time enrollment options where available.
How ABA Therapy Fits Alongside Homeschooling
For homeschooling families, in-home ABA therapy can integrate particularly naturally into the daily schedule, since both are already happening in the home environment — allowing for closer coordination between academic instruction and therapeutic goals than a split home/school schedule might allow.
Making the Decision
This is a genuinely personal decision that depends on your specific child, your family's capacity, and your local school options. It's worth talking through honestly with your child's BCBA, pediatrician, and, if possible, other homeschooling autism families before deciding.
For Cascade-Area Families
If you're considering homeschooling and want to think through how ABA therapy could fit into that structure, our BCBA, Kimberly Blazer, is glad to talk through your specific situation. Our School Readiness Support service is designed around exactly this kind of goal. our in-home ABA therapy in Cascade page has more information, or Get Started Today to get started.
This article is part of our complete guide, Preparing Your Autistic Child for Kindergarten. Clinically reviewed by Kimberly Blazer, BCBA.