D was explaining recently what his ideal school would be like. If this school existed, he concluded, he would probably go. And so would I! D's school would have no more than six children in each class. The spirit would be entirely collaborative, so no competitions, medals, or being top of the class. Instead, each... Continue Reading →
A different kind of strength
I'm writing this post from the perspective of a parent of an autistic child with PDA. That isn't to say that my child's autism/PDA defines them. It doesn't at all. But it has certainly helped to define my journey as a parent. So far, that journey has led me to a few conclusions, and I'm... Continue Reading →
Why unschooling works for PDA children
Time outs, naughty steps and reward charts were never on my radar. None of that has ever made any sense to me. Even so, when my eldest son was younger I had to marvel at friends who did these things, and at how their children accepted them with minimal resistance. It was beyond my comprehension.... Continue Reading →
The many benefits of unschooling for children with special needs
I hear a lot of doubt around whether unschooling can work for children with special needs. Perhaps it's because many of these children need so much help and support to get through formal education. And if it's stressful and exhausting even with everyone trying so hard, logic follows that without all that effort and structure,... Continue Reading →