Over the years more and more parents are taking their children out of traditional school settings to homeschool because of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and other diagnoses. Because of the sensitive nature (social stigmatism) and lack of education surrounding this topic many parents are reluctant to talk about it and as such, are not being supported. Let’s set all of that aside and have a candid talk in a safe environment about homeschooling children with mental illness. Regardless of the diagnoses, there are practical tools families can implement that will help you and your child have a successful homeschool experience.
Sharon Hensley
Sharon Hensley is the author of Home Schooling Children with Special Needs. She holds a Master’s Degree in special education and has worked with a variety of special needs children including her oldest daughter who is autistic and mentally retarded. Sharon began teaching in 1983, and moved into the field of special education in 1985. She has done classroom teaching, private therapy and consulting. She began homeschooling in 1992 and homeschooled her children for 23 years and also directed Almaden Valley Christian School, a PSP for families with special needs children. Sharon is now semi-retired and primarily works as a life coach with adults who struggle with organizational and executive function difficulties.