What about opportunities for my special needs child to learn to work with other children?

While classrooms offer opportunities for interaction with other students, they are not the only source of contact available. One of the most important principles of special education is the idea that students be taught in the least restrictive environment. Often the home may be that environment and interaction with brothers and sisters, adults and other homeschoolers may provide the best type of interactions. How a student feels about himself and his relationships is very important. Learning how to relate to others can be difficult. The guidance of parents, siblings and friends can provide great feedback and instruction for the special needs child. From Downs Syndrome to autism, students in supportive and stimulating environments benefit. Coop activities, church activities, sports and support group activities are a few of the ways special needs students make contact with others and learn about appropriate behavior. Again, each parent needs to evaluate what is available to determine if they feel their child's needs are being met, but homeschooling should not be ruled out because it is not a school-based form of instruction.