Need a Group

I don't know of any groups, but www.timberdoodle.com has an Autism Center with homeschooling materials, so they might also have means to finding a group. Also, you might be able to check with MACHE (Homeschool Association in Maryland - www.machemd.org); contact them to ask if there are any groups that would specifically relate to you. I hope you find some good support - God bless you!

K. J

1 mom found this helpful

Hi E.,
I saw that you live in Newport News, VA so I am not sure if this will be applicable to you. There is a great home educators resource website at http://www.homeeddirectory.com/. They also have a newsletter that you can subscribe to in which people list their support groups and other home education resources.
Thanks!
A. Dolin, M.Ed.
www.anndolin.com
www.ectutoring.com

Try retrieving information from NATTHAN. They are a homeschooling resource for special needs children.

E., I am not sure where you live in Maryland, but I am a Family Navigator with the Maryland Coalition of Families for Children's Mental Health. With that, we have Advocates and Navigators throughout Maryland that may be able to assist you with locating some homeschooling moms in your area; especially as they relate to you child with Autism. Please feel free to let me know where you live in the state and your email address so that I can pass your information on. Maybe they can help.

I don't have a group but I do know a woman who lives in the churchland section of Portsmouth. Her name is Karen and she has a teenage autistic son, whom she homeschooled from the beginning. I don't know her group. But! I do know a terrific website that may give you some answers. It's www.heav.org Home educators association of Virginia. Good luck and I will be praying for your family!

Hi E... have you heard of ABA or applied behavioral analysis? I did it with my almost three year old (5 years ago) and it worked like you wouldn't believe.. If you get a book called LET ME HEAR YOUR VOICE...by Catherine somebody, in the back of the book it tells the whole program. Its very simple.. Can your child say any words? mine said none.. but I swear by the end of the first week he was talking! it was amazing!! he did sound a bit robotic at first but that left fairly quickly, Let me know if you need more info. The power is in your hands :) don't get discouraged. oh and now my son is 8 and wont stop talking- he is in normal classes and in the right grade... having some attention problems but gets many As on his classwork. If you are near me, hampton, VA.. maybe you could come over and i'll show you but by now surely you can order it on dvd.. there is also a website.. reachingpotentials.com I believe... GREAT GREAT Lady!! she lives an hour and a half from me and we've gone a few times.. Fighting autism is her life... she holds certification classes (which I eventually attended).. I'll check the website and send you another note if thats not it.. You can do it!!! Go mommy!!

If you live in Harford, Cecil, or Kent County you can join a FREE forum for mom's called www.chesapeakemommies.com
There is a group who homeschools on there. We have a lot of playdates, and fun mommy activities. I am Alynchpyon on there if you want to say hello. Good luck.

first do a search of homeschool associations in your area, you are going to need support. :) Second, find out what the rules and regs are for your area as far as homeschooling, you may still be able to recieve OT, PT services for her. Then pick a curriculum, there are loads out there, if you are looking for a christian based i recommend going to Cathy Duffy Homeschool Review website. http://cathyduffyreviews.com/ i don't know how high functioning your child is, but you may be able to modify a curriculum for her, or may be able to find an appropriate one.Be flexible with her, she may need a few extra recess breaks where the 2 of you play together. incorporate a lesson in play, like play dolls and mirror good social skills, or do an ABC puzzle. God bless and good luck. Jenn

I LOVE my Phil and Ted's stroller. It is perfect for walking around AND in stores. It is VERY easy to maneuver. I'm not sure how it would fit in your car but you could always find a store that carries it and ask if you can see how it would fit. The price isn't exactly in that range. A bit above, but I think it is worth every penny. The extra seat comes off so if you ever want to use it for just one child you won't look like a goof running around with a double stroller for one one kid.

Dear E., You may want to check out www.autismkey.com. Good luck!
N. B.

Have you checked with some local places like Kennedy Krieger? They should be able to help you find some good local resources and certainly have a wealth of experience in that area. Good luck!

Hi E.

I have a nephew who is about to turn 7 and was diagnosed around 18 months old with autism. My sister lives in Chicago.
Logan has been in public school and has been fortunate to have a lot of early intervention therapy. However my sister and brother in law are now considering home schooling. Logan is the oldest of 4. This fall I flew out to babysit while my sister and her husband went to a week long conference in Texas on RDI relationship development interaction.
My sister is convinced that this type of learning and interaction is essential for Logans continued growth verses stagnation and regression.
I don't know much about the program I could e-mail my sister and get more info if you are interested and maybe you could talk to her directly. I'll ask her. She has not started the home schooling yet but they are planning to move back to MD this summer and I know she is eager to get Logan on the RDI
plan of learning. Try to see what comes up on the internet about it. maybe you already know about it. M.