10 Best Comprehensive Homeschool Curricula for Children with Autism (2023)

Homeschooling Children with Autism

Choosing to homeschool a child with autism is often a decision families come to reluctantly. While some families worry about the additional social challenges that come with learning at home, others wonder how they’re supposed to teach material they themselves haven’t completed in years. Fortunately, dozens of comprehensive curricula exist to alleviate the pressures put on both homeschooling parents and homeschooled children.

The 15 curricula listed below are some of the best for children with autism. We put together our list based on a variety of factors, including flexibility, customization, and user-friendliness. We also consulted a number of reviews and even asked the pros — the parents and teachers themselves. While not every curriculum on our list is specifically designed for students with autism spectrum disorder, they all contain features that are currently working well for hundreds of homeschooled children with autism around the world.

Featured Curricula

  • ABCmouse
  • Abeka Curriculum
  • ACE: Autism Curriculum Encyclopedia
  • All About Learning Press
  • Apologia
  • Calvert Education
  • Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool
  • Gemm Learning
  • Handwriting Without Tears
  • Memoria Press
  • Miquon Math
  • TeachTown
  • Timberdoodle
  • Time 4 Learning
  • Wilo Star 3D

ABCmouse

ABCmouse is an online curriculum for children ages 2-8. Though it is not designed specifically for children with autism, kids on the spectrum are sure to appreciate that ABCmouse is meant to be completed at each child’s own pace. The curriculum provides more than 850 lessons and 8,500 activities for subjects like reading, math, science, and art and colors.

Abeka Curriculum

10 Best Comprehensive Homeschool Curricula for Children with Autism (2) Abeka Curriculum is a Christian curriculum well-suited for children on the autism spectrum. A favorite of many homeschooling families, Abeka primarily consists of a series of workbooks that children are sure to enjoy. In addition to new material, each lesson depends upon spaced repetition and drills to help develop mastery and comfort with any topic. Though the curriculum is mostly written, Abeka does include a series of DVDs that add a fun visual and interactive component to learning.

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ACE: Autism Curriculum Encyclopedia

10 Best Comprehensive Homeschool Curricula for Children with Autism (3) The Autism Curriculum EncyclopediaACE) is a complete education package specifically designed as an Applied Behavior Analysis program. Its software-based curriculum is completely customizable, and lessons range from basic skills to more advanced concepts such as solving equations and writing essays. This popular program is especially well-liked by students because it focuses on a child’s strengths as it moves through a subject.

All About Learning Press

All About Learning Press offers two different programs: All About Reading and All About Spelling. The company’s mission is to take the struggle out of reading and spelling for both the student and the parent. Preschool-aged students and Kindergarteners can begin with the Pre-Reading and Pre-Spelling programs. They advance to Levels 1-4. An interactive kit is also available, and consists of things like letter tiles, divider cards, magnets, and more.

Apologia

Apologia is a homeschool curriculum rooted in the Christian faith. This award-winning curriculum is suitable for any child, K-12. Whether one chooses tangible textbooks or online courses, parents can be sure their child is receiving a solid base knowledge of subjects tackled. Parents speak especially highly of Apologia’s science curriculum.

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Calvert Education

10 Best Comprehensive Homeschool Curricula for Children with Autism (6) Calvert Education’s secular curriculum has been around for more than 100 years. and Thousands of homeschool families, military families, professional child actors and athletes have chosen it as their preferred education. Though Calvert is not designed specifically for students on the autism spectrum, the curriculum’s completely flexible set-up appeals to many students on the ASD spectrum. Students and their parents can choose to finish an entire program (grade level). Or they can choose from a list of individual courses and subjects, depending upon the student’s interest and ability level.

Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool

10 Best Comprehensive Homeschool Curricula for Children with Autism (7) Unlike the other homeschool curricula on this list, the Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool curriculum is not produced or distributed by a large company. Rather, it was designed by a homeschool mother and is completely free. Better yet, Easy Peasy requires only that students have access to the internet and a computer, and nearly all of the materials cost nothing at all. This curriculum is best suited for those children who are able to work independently from a task list with or without parental guidance.

Gemm Learning

10 Best Comprehensive Homeschool Curricula for Children with Autism (8) Gemm Learning is an online learning software that creates a customized curriculum suitable for each individual child. The curriculum is available for students as young as age 5. It begins with a behavioral assessment completed by a parent and a reading assessment completed by the student. After approximately four months, parents begin receiving weekly updates on their child’s progress through the curriculum. Uniquely, Gemm Learning also provides its curriculum families with live support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to address questions and concerns.

Handwriting Without Tears

Children on the autism spectrum often struggle with handwriting, and that makes Handwriting Without Tears a great tool for any homeschooled student and parent. Handwriting Without Tears provides multi-sensory handwriting instruction that is developmentally appropriate for each stage of Kindergarten through 5th grade.

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Memoria Press

10 Best Comprehensive Homeschool Curricula for Children with Autism (10) Although it’s not specifically designed for students on the autism spectrum, Memoria Press’s K-12 curriculum includes a number of features that make it ideal for those with high-functioning autism or other learning disabilities. Rooted in classical education, Memoria Press offers distraction-free, age-appropriate material in the form of textbooks and workbooks. Each subject is well-organized into lessons designed to be completed one week at a time. It requires a solid mix of parent-led discussion and student independence. Subjects offered include:

  • math
  • language arts
  • literature
  • science
  • classical studies
  • geography

Every subject follows a routine based upon review and repetition. This curriculum includes Latin, a process language that has long been applauded for its ability to improve critical thinking skills. Teacher guides are available for each subject. Parents may choose whether or not to use the weekly assessments.

Miquon Math

There are more than a few homeschool parents who struggle with the confidence it takes to teach their child math. For students with autism, the challenge can be even more intimidating. The Miquon Math curriculum is ideal for any student who needs to work with his or her hands to understand math concepts. The simple and visually plain workbooks provide for a distraction-free work environment, while manipulatives are included to help the student understand.

TeachTown

10 Best Comprehensive Homeschool Curricula for Children with Autism (12) TeachTown is easily one of the most popular curriculum when it comes to homeschooling a child with autism. Two tracks are available — TeachTown Basic and TeachTown Social Skills — and each track extends to approximately age 12. TeachTown Basic is a mix of computer-based and parent-led learning, offering subjects including:

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  • vocabulary
  • language skills
  • cognitive skills
  • other academic subjects

TeachTown Social Skills is an online program available at the elementary and middle school levels. This unique program features relatable animated characters which help students to learn to:

  • read social cues
  • recognize emotion
  • talk in a group, among other things

Both programs offer a free 30-day trial.

Timberdoodle

10 Best Comprehensive Homeschool Curricula for Children with Autism (13) Timberdoodle is a unique curriculum appropriate for students in elementary school and middle school. Parents are able to customize the curriculum based upon their child’s strengths and interests. The curriculum then comes in the form of a kit which includes everything from lesson materials to supplementary puzzles and activities. The lists of subjects offered is extensive, including art, STEM, and even the Bible.

Time 4 Learning

10 Best Comprehensive Homeschool Curricula for Children with Autism (14) Time 4 Learning is an interactive online curriculum specifically designed for students with Asperger’s Syndrome and high-functioning autism. The curriculum is completely automated, which allows students to move through lessons at their own pace with or without the immediate help of an adult. Furthermore, each lesson combines social and academic learning, and often emulates real-life scenarios. For example, a math lesson might be presented as a conversation between two animated characters. In addition to a full academic curriculum, Time 4 Learning also offers a Summer Learning curriculum and an After School curriculum.

Wilo Star 3D

10 Best Comprehensive Homeschool Curricula for Children with Autism (15) Wilo Star 3D may just be the homeschool curriculum of the future. This interactive online program actually creates a virtual classroom so that students can “attend” class. Best suited for those with high-functioning autism or Asperger’s, Wilo Star 3D presents each lesson via PowerPoint, whiteboard, or audio/video messaging. It also encouraging a certain amount of independence during study time. Subjects include:

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  • English
  • math
  • history, among others.

Students complete assignments and tasks based on their specific Knowledge Tower.

FAQs

What is the most popular homeschool curriculum? ›

Our Favorites Best Homeschool Curriculum
  • The Good and The Beautiful Homeschool Curriculum. ...
  • Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool Curriculum. ...
  • BJU Press Homeschool Curriculum. ...
  • Abeka Homeschool Curriculum. ...
  • Bridgeway Academy Homeschool Curriculum. ...
  • Teaching Textbooks Homeschool Curriculum. ...
  • CTC Math Homeschool Curriculum.

What is the best education for an autistic child? ›

Many families who have a child on the autism spectrum explore alternative educational options. Private schools, charter magnets, and homeschooling are options that have worked successfully for students with autism.

What state has the best resources for children with autism? ›

Colorado ranks as the most supportive state for raising a child with autism, according to Autism Parenting Magazine, a U.K.-based magazine written by professionals and parents of autistic children.

Is ABC mouse good for kids with autism? ›

ABC Mouse - Though not specifically for children with Autism, ABC Mouse lets children learn at their own pace and helps children build a strong foundation for future academic success by providing a comprehensive and engaging online curriculum to greatly assist early learners in pre-k, kindergarten, and early elementary ...

What is the best homeschool curriculum for autism? ›

Featured Curricula
  • ABCmouse.
  • Abeka Curriculum.
  • ACE: Autism Curriculum Encyclopedia.
  • All About Learning Press.
  • Apologia.
  • Calvert Education.
  • Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool.
  • Gemm Learning.

What is the best school for high functioning autism? ›

The Temple Grandin School (TGS) is one of the best private schools for autism.

What kids should not do with autism? ›

Here's what shouldn't be done to deal with autistic children:
  • Feeding into their behavior – Kids of the spectrum might engage with caretakers or parents by making annoying sounds or moving in ways they think would get their attention.
  • It might escalate into poor behavior if they see that it gets them what they want.
1 Aug 2022

Is autism considered a disability for SSI? ›

Conditions like autism are recognized by the Social Security Administration (SSA) as potentially disabling and may be able to qualify you or your child for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits through one of both of the SSA's disability programs.

Is a child with autism considered special needs? ›

IDEA specifies that children with various disabilities, including autism, are entitled to early intervention services and special education. If your child has been diagnosed with a form of autism, the diagnosis is generally sufficient to gain access to the rights afforded by IDEA.

Are Montessori schools good for autism? ›

The traditional teaching and learning methods and the predictable daily routines employed in prepared Montessori learning environments provide stability for children with special educational needs (SEN), including disorders on the autistic spectrum.

How do you homeschool a high functioning autistic child? ›

Tips for Homeschooling Your Child with ASD
  1. Work with topic fixations. ...
  2. Share your power as the authority figure with your child. ...
  3. Encourage real-world socialization. ...
  4. Incorporate physical exercise. ...
  5. Stick to your schedule, but take frequent breaks. ...
  6. Know when to ask for help.
13 Apr 2017

Is abeka good for autism? ›

In fact, Abeka is extremely well-suited to teaching autistic children because it has a full range of enjoyable textbooks and drills to help master subjects. The Abeka curriculum is a system that supports autistic learning using workbooks, activities, and DVDs.

What apps are good for kids with autism? ›

6 Best Autism Apps For Skill Development and Confidence in 2021
  • Proloquo2Go. Apple only.
  • Language Therapy for Kids – MITA. Apple + Android.
  • Otsimo. Apple + Android.
  • ABC Autismo. Android only.

Can spectrum be used as a full curriculum? ›

Spectrum Math is not really intended to be a complete homeschool math curriculum. Rather it is designed to be used as a supplement to a curriculum – a series of books that can provide extra practice in order to hone a student's skill development (or fluency) in math.

Does Kumon work for autistic students? ›

No matter what kind of disability an individual may have, such as ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), Intellectual Disability, Down Syndrome, LD (Learning Disability), ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), or Physical Disability, there is always something they can do.

Is it possible to homeschool a child with autism? ›

In terms of homeschooling, autism types matter very little; almost any child on the spectrum can benefit from the customized approach that home education offers. However, if you have a child on the Asperger's Syndrome part of the spectrum, curriculum options can differ widely from child to child.

What is the best curriculum in the world? ›

The CBSE curriculum is designed and developed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training, New Delhi. The International Baccalaureate (IB) offers a well-rounded, global education together with world-class qualifications that are recognised by the world's top post-secondary institutions.

What homeschool programs are accredited? ›

Many of them are adaptable to different teaching styles.
  • Calvert. Calvert has been providing homeschool programs for 110 years. ...
  • K12. K12 provides online homeschool courses tailored to the age and skills of your children. ...
  • Bridgewater. ...
  • The Keystone School. ...
  • Time4Learning. ...
  • Forest Trail Academy. ...
  • Laurel Springs School. ...
  • Oak Meadow.

What is the Charlotte Mason curriculum? ›

The Charlotte Mason style of homeschooling uses rich literature and “living books” rather than textbooks or dumbed-down twaddle. Instead of worksheets or answering questions in the back of the book, this style asks the student to retell, or “narrate,” everything he can remember from the reading.

What state is best for special education? ›

In fact, our research shows that Maryland is the best state for special education teachers in America. The best city in America for special education teachers with the highest pay is Baltimore, MD.
...
1. Maryland.
Total Special Education Teacher Jobs:1,062
Highest 10 Percent Earn:$107,000
3 more rows
6 Apr 2021

Can an autistic child be normal? ›

As they mature, some children with autism spectrum disorder become more engaged with others and show fewer disturbances in behavior. Some, usually those with the least severe problems, eventually may lead normal or near-normal lives.

What's high functioning autism? ›

High-functioning autism isn't an official medical diagnosis. It's often used to refer to autistic people who read, write, speak, and manage life skills without much assistance. Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that's characterized by difficulties with social interaction and communication.

Does autism come from the mother or father? ›

The team found that mothers passed only half of their structural variants on to their autistic children—a frequency that would be expected by chance alone—suggesting that variants inherited from mothers were not associated with autism. But surprisingly, fathers did pass on substantially more than 50% of their variants.

Are you born with autism? ›

It's something you're born with. Signs of autism might be noticed when you're very young, or not until you're older. If you're autistic, you're autistic your whole life. Autism is not a medical condition with treatments or a "cure".

Can an autistic child be attached to parent? ›

It is thought that autistic children do not form attachments to parents or caregivers because of their difficulties in social interaction. Yet, the findings of the studies demonstrate evidences for the existence of attachment between autistic children and their caregivers.

Where is the best place to live with autism? ›

– The greater New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Cleveland, Philadelphia and Boston metropolitan areas are among the 10 best places in America to live for people who have autism, according to the results of an online survey released today.

What state has the most autism cases? ›

The latest report found that autism rates varied greatly throughout the United States. California had the highest incidence rate, with 1 in 26 8-year-olds receiving a diagnosis.

What state is the best for special needs child? ›

The best Medicaid service systems for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are found in Arizona, Vermont, New Hampshire, Michigan and Hawaii, according to the annual Case for Inclusion report released by United Cerebral Palsy.

Can my autistic child get a free IPAD? ›

Free tablets for children with Autism or speech impairment. S.T.A.P. is a state funded program, which has been in place for over 20+ years, providing tablets for children. The tablets are available to be wonderful communication tools for children who have critical pre-requisite skills.

How much does Social Security pay for an autistic child? ›

Your child's SSI payment amount will vary depending on the state you live in and whether your child has any countable income, but the federal base rate for 2021 is $794/month.

What is a Level 1 autistic? ›

Level 1 is the mildest, or “highest functioning” form of autism, which includes those who would have previously been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome. Individuals with ASD level 1 may have difficulty understanding social cues and may struggle to form and maintain personal relationships.

Can you claim autism on taxes? ›

Medical & Therapy Expenses

The first type of deduction to consider is for medical and therapy expenses. For income tax purposes, learning disabilities are a type of medical condition. This may include autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, and other learning disabilities.

What are the 4 types of autism? ›

There are five major types of autism which include Asperger's syndrome, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, Kanner's syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder – not otherwise specified.

What do students with autism struggle with? ›

School activities that may be particularly challenging for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), previously referred to as Asperger's Disorder, include social interactions, noisy or disordered environments, intense sensory stimulation, and changes in expected routines.

What type of child thrives in Montessori? ›

Kids with special needs, such as learning or physical disabilities, often thrive in a Montessori setting. 3 Materials used in Montessori settings engage all the senses. Students are free to move about the classroom, which is an advantage for those children who require a lot of physical activity.

Is Montessori an ABA? ›

Behavioral Foundation

Montessori's approach and methods blend remarkably well with applied behavioral analysis (ABA), which is currently the only scientifically established method for treating children on the autistic spectrum.

How does Montessori deal with special children? ›

Children with special needs often thrive socially in Montessori environments where they are welcomed into a multi-aged peer group that promotes kindness and acceptance. In a classroom with older and younger peers, your child will learn from others and experience new challenges through observation of her friends.

Should autistic kids be homeschooled? ›

Pros of Homeschooling for Children with Autism

The learning environment has fewer distractions and fewer stressors. If a student has been dealing with bullies in school, homeschooling provides a safe haven. All aspects of education can be individualized to fit the student's needs.

Is it better to homeschool child with Aspergers? ›

Despite these difficulties, homeschooling can be beneficial for teens with Asperger's. For parents willing to take on the challenge, Shriver-Blake offers the following recommendations: Get your child involved in supervised peer groups outside of the family to build social skills. Hire tutors to vary teaching styles.

Is spectrum good for homeschooling? ›

OVERALL, I highly recommend the entire Spectrum language arts series of books, and this Language Arts book in particular is definitely worth the money and is very comprehensive for 1st grade. This will be a nice starting point in the subject for homeschooling my son this year!

Which curriculum is best for autism? ›

Featured Curricula
  • ABCmouse.
  • Abeka Curriculum.
  • ACE: Autism Curriculum Encyclopedia.
  • All About Learning Press.
  • Apologia.
  • Calvert Education.
  • Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool.
  • Gemm Learning.

What is the best learning environment for a child with autism? ›

Children with autism thrive in a structured and predicable environment. Establish routines early on and keep it as consistent as possible. In a world that's ever changing, routine and structure provide great comfort and support to a child on the autism spectrum. Define routines clearly and review routines daily.

Is Abeka expensive? ›

How Much Does the Abeka Curriculum Cost? The Abeka curriculum costs $1074 for Grades 1-6 and $1365 for Grades 7-12. Compared to other curricula, the Abeka curriculum comes in at an average price. You can look at the graph prices below (as of Februrary 2022).

What games are good for Autistic child? ›

Best Games for Children with Autism. I Never Forget a Face Memory Game This game is great for memory and also for recognizing and recognizing faces. Feelmo Speaking Cards These are good for helping teach emotions and feelings, and learning to identify and express them.

Is ABC mouse good for kids with autism? ›

ABC Mouse - Though not specifically for children with Autism, ABC Mouse lets children learn at their own pace and helps children build a strong foundation for future academic success by providing a comprehensive and engaging online curriculum to greatly assist early learners in pre-k, kindergarten, and early elementary ...

What is assistive technology for autism? ›

Examples include battery-operated sensory toys, visual timers, and social skills videos. High-tech AT is digital technology and can include anything from augmentative communication technology for non-verbal people to robots built to increase social skills in children on the spectrum.

What is the most used curriculum? ›

The British curriculum is the most successful and widely used in the world.

Which curriculum is best for kids? ›

Both, ICSE and CBSE curriculums are highly preferred by parents all over India. And, both these curriculum are recognised by the government of India.
...
The course curriculum is divided into the following heads:
  • Primary Years Programme.
  • Middle Years Programme.
  • Diploma Programme.
  • Career-related Programme.
7 Jul 2020

Is Khan Academy enough homeschool? ›

Khan Academy is an essential homeschooling resource, especially for math. It won't help with early reading, but it's great for older kids.

What is Charlotte Mason style curriculum? ›

The Charlotte Mason style of homeschooling uses rich literature and “living books” rather than textbooks or dumbed-down twaddle. Instead of worksheets or answering questions in the back of the book, this style asks the student to retell, or “narrate,” everything he can remember from the reading.

What are the 4 types of curriculum? ›

There are four different types of curricula that educators have to address in the classroom; these four are the explicit, implicit, null, and extracurricular.

What is the hardest curriculum in the world? ›

It is believed that a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or BSN is the toughest course in the world as per the Guinness Book of World Records along with courses like MBBS, BCom, IAS, IPS and Engineering, etc.

What are the 5 types of curriculum? ›

The five basic types of curriculum are Traditional, Thematic, Programmed, Classical, and Technological. The most used curriculum can be found within these broader categories.

What is recommended curriculum? ›

The Recommended Curriculum is the name given to the curriculum construed by the educational stakeholders at the national level. It is more general and usually consists of policy guidelines. It actually reflects the impact of “opinion shapers” such as: policy makers. educationists.

Is American or British curriculum better? ›

The British secondary curriculum mainly emphasizes the GCSE subject exams and the A-Levels. But in the United States school system, the students have more freedom of choice. They pursue the SAT and ACT and the only actual standardized tests students take at a national level.

What homeschool programs are accredited? ›

Many of them are adaptable to different teaching styles.
  • Calvert. Calvert has been providing homeschool programs for 110 years. ...
  • K12. K12 provides online homeschool courses tailored to the age and skills of your children. ...
  • Bridgewater. ...
  • The Keystone School. ...
  • Time4Learning. ...
  • Forest Trail Academy. ...
  • Laurel Springs School. ...
  • Oak Meadow.

Can a homeschooler go to Harvard? ›

What if I am homeschooled? Each applicant to Harvard College is considered with great care and homeschooled applicants are treated the same as all other applicants. There is no special process, but all relevant information about your educational and personal background is welcome.

What is the difference between Charlotte Mason and Waldorf? ›

Their main difference is in the length of the lessons. Charlotte Mason lessons are short and switch often from one subject to another often. Waldorf main lessons are generally around one and a half to two hours long and go deeply into one subject for weeks, similar to unit studies.

What is the difference between Charlotte Mason and Montessori? ›

The Montessori method nurtures independent learning with specially designed materials, whereas the Mason method focuses on learning new ideas through great “living” books rather than mundane textbooks.

What is Waldorf homeschool? ›

The Waldorf approach is a holistic liberal arts education where subjects are not separated from one another and education covers body, mind, and spirit. Textbooks are not used until the children are older and then only infrequently, and moral qualities are subtly emphasized through life.

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