Homeschooling Twins with Autism: Creating a Routine
By Cheryl Swope, M.Ed. author of Simply Classical: A Beautiful Education for Any Child and the Simply Classical Curriculum, Memoria Press.
We homeschooled our twins on the autism spectrum from infancy through high school graduation. Over time, we learned that a daily schedule, even on weekends and during the summer, was essential. While our friends' children didn’t need this, our children with autism thrived on predictability and security. Here are some key elements we found helpful:
Refreshing Outdoor Time
Children with autism often struggle with anxiety, obsessions, and rigidity. It's essential to teach them to relax. While we carefully schedule schoolwork, chores, and therapies, we often forget to schedule time in nature. Here are some refreshing activities:
Walk outside
Play at a park during non-peak hours
Swim
Sit on the back porch swing to watch birds and squirrels
Engage in light outdoor chores like pulling weeds or sweeping the driveway
Conversation and Engagement
When my daughter’s speech therapist diagnosed her with autism, she cautioned against long periods of isolated play and emphasized engagement. Here are some ways to keep your child engaged:
Have conversations and play simple games
Read books together and ask questions like, “Point to the butterfly”
Create engaging games like choosing favorite artwork or wall colors while waiting
Play strategy games like "Ticket to Ride" for older children
Quiet Time
Instilling a love of quiet can be beneficial. Start with 10-15 minutes and gradually increase. Here are some items to include:
Storybooks: Board books for younger children, picture books for more able students
Sturdy art supplies: Wax crayons, colored pencils, large stencils
Puzzles: From large wooden ones to more intricate puzzles as they progress
Relaxing music with a mat or plush blanket
Field guides for older students
Simple kits: Models, crafts, sewing/lacing cards
Headphones with stories or poetry
Companionship
A willing sibling or adaptable playmate can provide companionship. Consider:
Coaching with resources like Myself & Others
Pets like a dog, cat, or fish for additional companionship
Gardening projects, like growing pansies or cherry tomatoes, to encourage nurturing
Spontaneous Fun
While routines are crucial, it's also important to sprinkle spontaneous fun into the day to prevent rigidity. Ideas include:
Snuggling
A quick walk to get the mail
Playing pretend with toys
Riding a trike before dinner or picking wildflowers
Refresh Yourself
Most importantly, take time to refresh yourself:
Enjoy quiet moments at church, in the Word, and in prayer
Avoid rehearsing past troubles or discussing disturbing news in front of your child
Speak with greater trust and hope, and avoid fearful language
Let your children know they are in good hands and that you can create a comforting routine for them
When you falter, make necessary adjustments and demonstrate resilience
Inspirational Verse
"Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:10, my daughter’s confirmation verse.