Homeschooling Children with Special Needs - Local Support Groups

Most of us who make the decision to homeschool our children with special needs belong to online support groups. We find valuable support and information from those who have walked a similar path before us. We find out what has worked (or not worked) for others related to our child’s specific diagnosis. Quite often, others will cheer our successes and offer sincere empathy as we struggle.

Often times, we find ourselves isolated in garnering support as we struggle to learn how to best approach meeting the needs of our child with special needs.. Just mom cozying up to the pc can be very lonely. Smiley faces and cyberhugs can only go so far

Creating or joining a local support group with others who homeschool their child/children with special needs can fulfill many needs – in our own lives and the lives of those on a similar journey:

Participating in such a group can improve our homeschooling environment. A teaching parent who is supported in real life is a better parent and teacher.

Occasional time away from our loved ones in a relaxing environment is good for our mental health. Twenty-four hours a day of parenting, caring for out children and spouse, homeschooling, dealing with special needs, cleaning and cooking can be draining without an occasional refreshment of socializing with other parents who understand.

The insights of others further along the path are invaluable.

Sharing the burdens and the joys lightens our load.

Prayer (and other) support immediately available.

Sharing resources in a group setting is often helpful and can save money.

New friends! Some parents with children with special needs find their friends have fallen away as they deal with those special needs. Friendships are essential and perhaps easier to maintain with those who want to understand or do understand our journey.

So, what does it take to start a support group for those homeschooling children with special needs?

A call to ministry for a few moms. I think it might be difficult to shoulder the responsibilities involved in creating such a group by any one individual. At the very least, 2-3 moms (and/or dads) should be involved.

Prayer support for those called to leadership. We are all busy educating and nurturing our families. Those who are called to leadership do more than just showing up. Ask others to pray for you.

Advertise in your local homeschooling associations newsletter and e-mail groups. There are others out there traveling a similar path. You don’t have to do this alone.

Have a location – preferably not in a member’s home. A church hall or local eatery should work. We don’t want any of the parents to stress about a meeting in their home that is supposed to be a stress reliever.

Decide how frequently you would like to meet. Is monthly too often? Is every other month not enough? I think you will find people rotating in and out depending on their family schedule and babysitting availability.

Decide on a purpose for the group. Is it a casual meeting with no agenda and focused on fellowship? Is there a general topic (ie. sensory issues) for each meeting? Could one member share their journey and then take questions? Don’t forget to ask fellow parents what they would like to learn about and what their needs are – brainstorm! Even when the group deals with a wide variety of special needs, there is much common ground for fruitful discussion and mutual support.

Jump on in and make it happen!

I am not an expert on forming support groups. No references to turn to – only a tiny bit of experience. Our local homeschooling group for families with special needs is still in its infancy – about a year and a half old. We are learning as we go, providing as we can.

Care to share what has worked or not worked for you local homeschooling children with special needs support group? I would love to hear from you!