How to Start Homeschooling a Child with Autism

Homeschooling a child with autism can feel overwhelming at first, but with clear steps, supportive resources, and even funding opportunities, it can become an empowering way to nurture your child’s growth.

Research Your State’s Homeschooling Laws

The very first step is to understand your state’s legal requirements.

• Check requirements: Each U.S. state has different homeschooling rules. A great resource is the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) interactive map of laws: HSLDA – Homeschool Laws by State.

• Understand filing: You may be required to file a letter of intent to homeschool or an individualized instruction plan with your school district.

• Know what records are needed: Some states require attendance logs, progress reports, standardized testing, or documentation of academic achievement.

Formally Withdraw Your Child

If your child is enrolled in public or private school, you must officially withdraw them to avoid truancy issues. This usually requires sending a written notice to your local district. Always keep copies of the letter and any confirmation you receive. Your school district should have this information on its website; if not, call your zoned school for instructions.

Explore Financial Support for Students with Disabilities

We are based in Florida, which is why we’ve highlighted the Step Up For Students program. For autism homeschool families here:

These programs provide families with the flexibility to create a personalized home education plan that seamlessly integrates therapy goals with academics and life skills. But Florida isn’t the only state supporting homeschool families. My research found other opportunities across the country that can help families of children with disabilities.

State Grant & ESA Programs for Homeschool and Special Needs Families

Many states offer education grants, scholarships, or ESA (Education Savings Account) programs that families can use for homeschooling resources, curriculum, and therapy supports. These programs are often managed through ClassWallet, which acts like a digital wallet for approved purchases.

Texas – PDSES (Parent-Directed Special Education Services)

• $1,500 grant per eligible student with an IEP in Texas public schools.
• Funds cover curriculum, therapies, tutoring, and technology.
  🔗 Texas PDSES Program – TEA

Arizona – Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA)

• Universal ESA with $6,000+ per student per year (higher for disabilities).
• Covers homeschool curriculum, therapies, tutoring, and special education services.
  🔗 Arizona ESA Program – ADE

Florida – Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES)

• About $8,000–$10,000 per year, with FES-UA specifically for students with disabilities.
• Managed by Step Up For Students.
  🔗 Step Up For Students – Family Empowerment Scholarship

West Virginia – Hope Scholarship Program

• ~$5,000 per student for private schooling or homeschooling costs.
  🔗 Hope Scholarship – WV State Treasurer

North Carolina – Personal Education Student Accounts (PESA)

• Up to $9,000+ per year for students with qualifying disabilities.
  🔗 NCSEAA – PESA

Indiana – Choice Scholarship Program

• Income-based vouchers, expanded for students with special needs.
  🔗 Indiana Choice Scholarship Program

Kansas – Tax Credit for Low-Income Students Scholarship Program

• Scholarships for eligible low-income students.
  🔗 KSDE – Tax Credit Scholarship Program

Ohio – EdChoice Scholarship Program

• Scholarships for students based on income or school performance.
  🔗 Ohio DOE – EdChoice

New Hampshire – Education Freedom Accounts (EFA)

• Income-based ESA funds for homeschool, private, or alternative schooling.
  🔗 NH DOE – Education Freedom Accounts

South Carolina – Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF)

• Covers tuition, homeschooling resources, and therapies for eligible families.
  🔗 SC DOE – ESTF

Utah – ACE (Utah Fits All Scholarship)

• $8,000 per student per year for all K–12 students.
  🔗 Utah Fits All Scholarship

New York – Children’s Scholarship Fund (CSF)

• Partial scholarships for low-income families, especially in NYC.
  🔗 Children’s Scholarship Fund – NY

Tip: Application windows and requirements vary; always double-check your state’s Department of Education site or program website before applying.

Choose a Homeschooling Style

Before buying curriculum, explore educational approaches to see what fits your child best:

• Traditional – textbooks and workbooks.
• Montessori – hands-on, child-led learning.
• Unit Studies – integrate subjects around a single theme.
• Unschooling – interest-driven, no formal curriculum.

Many autism homeschool families blend approaches, for example, structured phonics lessons with Montessori-style sensory work and unit studies on favorite interests.

Select Curriculum & Resources

Once you have a style in mind, explore curriculum options. Look for:

• All-in-one packages (boxed curriculum or digital subscriptions).
• Curriculum fairs to browse publishers.
• Free resources online or from your local library.
• Specialized autism supports like visual schedules, AAC tools, and sensory-based learning materials.

We are also building our own collection of autism-focused homeschooling resources for families. You can check out our growing library here: Autism Homeschool by Kristie Owens (TPT Store).

Make a Learning Space & Flexible Schedule

• Designate a space: A calm, organized, sensory-friendly spot.
• Keep schedules flexible: Shorter learning blocks, sensory breaks, and therapy time.
• Balance priorities: Include academics, communication, executive function, and life skills.
• Always include therapies: Occupational therapy, speech therapy, and even music therapy can be woven naturally into your homeschool day. These supports are just as important as academic lessons for children with autism.

Join a Supporting Community

Homeschooling is more successful with support:

• Local autism-friendly homeschool groups for meetups and co-ops.
• Online communities for resources and encouragement.
• Community events such as sensory-friendly library programs or museum homeschool days.

Final Thoughts

Homeschooling a child with autism is about flexibility, creativity, and balance. With resources like HSLDA’s legal map, Florida’s Step Up scholarships, other state ESA programs, and specialized curriculum (like those we’re building in our TPT store), families don’t have to walk this journey alone.

With the right tools, you can design a learning environment where your child’s strengths shine and their needs are fully supported.

Kristie Owens, MA, Educational Psychology (Neuropsychology)

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