Integrating Homeschooling and Therapy

Posted by HeatherL | 0 comments

When therapy is part of homeschooling there is a specific medical need. Some children need speech, physical, occupational, vision, or numerous other types of therapies. You may be dealing with long term therapy or short term therapy of a specific problem. No matter the therapy or the duration your homeschooling can become a natural part of the process. How can you successfully integrate therapy into your homeschooling?

There are several questions that need to be answered. Why is my child in need of therapy? You and your therapist(s) need to have a clear vision of where your child is right now and what is acceptable progress and completion of a therapy program. A word of caution here, I have run into therapy programs that will check my insurance first to decide how much therapy was needed. If my therapy called for 20 sessions a year than my child would be done with his therapy program in 20 sessions. In my opinion this is not very professional nor helpful to my child. You can fight that mindset by noting all problems that need a therapist to remediate, then outlining a plan to get there.

How will the therapy be given? Will you be let into the room? Can you participate with the session? For my children I make sure that daddy or I are in the sessions always. We take home what the therapist is working on and work on it at home. This has helped my children to consistently exceed several therapists’ expectations. This is where homeschooling will help you thrive!

Where will the therapy take place? Many therapists work out of the local school system or a therapist center. If you are lucky enough to qualify or live near a therapist that allows it you may also get therapy in your home. You could use the local school system to help get therapy for your child IF they qualify, IF you go through an IEP process and then you need to in some states meet additional legal obligations as a special needs homeschooler. Also you are not in charge of the therapy; if your IEP team all disagrees with you they can force more or less therapy than you wish. You could use private therapy at a local center. The travel to and from can be a bit much but you are in charge. I have found that at home therapy is the best. Your child is completely at ease and can focus on the problem needing help. Also you are right there, and get to see firsthand how to do this therapy. One caution you are allowing someone you know, only limitedly, into your home. No matter your choice your attitude towards therapy and learning to help your child will speak volumes and encourage the best from your therapy team.

The goals of homeschooling and therapy are the same, improving your child’s life. We found a therapist that was neutral about homeschooling. He worked mostly for the school so we were unusual for him. The more he worked with my children and saw them blossoming from homeschooling and therapy the more he softened. He is now a great resource that many homeschoolers in the area go to for quality therapy. Your patience will not only help your child, you may help others!

Heather Laurie and her husband, Christopher, have been married for 13 wonderful years, and have been blessed with 7 children, two of whom are awaiting them in Heaven. They began their homeschooling journey eight years ago, amidst trials and unexpected journeys, including a genetic disorder, autism, sensory disorders, and lupus. Heather and her husband created the ministry Laurie Family Ministries which includes Special Needs Homeschooling as a way to use their trials for the Lord’s glory and to encourage special needs parents and homeschoolers.