education.com
education.com asks:
Q:
Can I home school my teen who has Aspergers, is bipolar and suffers from sever social phobia?
"Hi, I have a almost 16 year old daughter with Aspergers, bipolar and sever social phobia. School has always been a struggle for her. I am thinking of homeschooling her but not sure where to start. I am not a teacher and not sure how to do it. I struggle academically myself. I did do connections one year with her and it was very hard. Would this be a good match for her? Is this a good curriculum for her if she overcomes her anxieties and wanted to go to college? Are there other sites that would be better fit for her? I sure could use some advice. I am tired of her crying and so depressed how she hates her life and I think she doesn't belong there. We have tried everything. Thank you."
 
Asked by Shelly via email.
In Topics: Homeschooling, Learning issues and special needs, Teen issues
25 days ago

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Expert

Boys Town National Hotline
Oct 29, 2009
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What the Expert Says:

It sounds like you have been through so much with your daughter. Her diagnoses must make it very difficult for you and your daughter to function normally. Because of her diagnoses, it's assumed that she is currently working with a counselor or therapist. Have you asked them their thoughts on the appropriateness of home schooling for your daughter? They may have good insight as to whether that would be the best option at this time. Dealing with social phobia is difficult because you don't want to place your daughter in a situation that makes her feel horribly uncomfortable everyday, but you also don't want to encourage or perpetuate her avoidance behaviors. Depending upon her level of functioning, she will have to be in contact with people in various ways throughout her life, and now is an important time for her to learn social skills.
 
If you ultimately feel that home schooling is the best option for her, you need to be aware of the laws and academic requirements in the state that you live in. Here is a link that will provide you with that information: http://bit.ly/3vgnrm. Next, look for a program that will fulfill those requirements. Begin by searching the internet for available home schooling curriculum's. Many larger cities have home schooling networks that provide classes for home schooled children such as art, music, and theatre. Check the internet for local support networks near you.  Also look for on-line forums in which mother's that are currently homeschooling their children talk about their successes and struggles with home schooling.  We cannot tell you whether home schooling would be best for your child, but before you make a decision spend some time researching and talking to people that have done it, to decide what's best for your daughter.
 
Boys Town National Hotline
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