Disclaimer: As a future Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) currently pursuing my master’s degree, I am passionate about sharing insights and information related to parenting, autism and homeschooling based on my personal experiences and research. However, the content shared on this blog is not intended to substitute professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Parenting is a deeply personal journey, and while I strive to provide valuable insights, every family and situation is unique. Readers are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals for personalized guidance tailored to their specific needs and circumstances.
Discover social skills for homeschoolers with autism! Explore fun and inclusive socialization opportunities to help your child thrive outside traditional school settings.
You’re homeschooling your child with autism, and you’re probably wondering about socialization, right? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! In the early months of homeschooling, I spent so much time worrying about socialization. Finding opportunities for your child to socialize and develop social skills outside of traditional school settings is totally doable. In fact, it can be a lot of fun, for both you and your child!
I do want to add that I think the socialization problem with homeschool is totally crazy, but it can seem overwhelming, especially with children with autism. It’s important to remember that your child with autism may have social differences, whether they are in school or homeschooling. Your job is simply to teach social skills, and provide opportunities for your kids to use them. What that looks like will depend on your child and your family.
Homeschooling provides a unique opportunity for personalized learning, but it’s important to also focus on your child’s social development. Engaging in social activities helps children with autism build confidence, communication skills, and lasting friendships.
75 Socialization Opportunities for Homeschoolers with Autism
- Join a local homeschool co-op.
- Attend community events and festivals.
- Participate in sports or recreational activities.
- Take art classes or workshops.
- Join a scouting or youth group.
- Volunteer at local charities or organizations.
- Attend library storytimes and events.
- Join a homeschool book club.
- Participate in drama or theater programs.
- Attend religious or spiritual gatherings.
- Join a music or dance class.
- Participate in nature hikes or outdoor clubs.
- Attend homeschool conventions or conferences.
- Join a community garden or environmental group.
- Participate in community service projects.
- Attend homeschool field trips to museums, zoos, and aquariums.
- Join a homeschool park day group.
- Attend homeschool playgroups or social meetups.
- Participate in cooking or baking classes.
- Join a Lego or robotics club.
- Attend homeschool art fairs or exhibitions.
- Participate in STEM workshops or programs.
- Join a language exchange or cultural group.
- Attend homeschooling support group meetings.
- Participate in science experiments or clubs.
- Join a photography or filmmaking club.
- Attend homeschool science fairs or competitions.
- Participate in coding or computer programming classes.
- Join a nature conservation or outdoor adventure group.
- Attend homeschool debate clubs or public speaking classes.
- Participate in community theater productions.
- Join a chess or strategy game club.
- Attend homeschool writing workshops or creative writing groups.
- Participate in horseback riding or equine therapy programs.
- Participate in community cleanup initiatives or neighborhood beautification projects.
- Join a homeschool nature exploration group focusing on local flora and fauna.
- Attend homeschool science and technology expos or maker fairs.
- Join a homeschool philosophy discussion group or Socratic seminar.
- Participate in homeschool debate tournaments or mock trials.
- Join a homeschool birdwatching or birding club.
- Attend homeschool theater productions or acting workshops.
- Join a homeschool coding boot camp or programming hackathon.
- Participate in homeschool art therapy sessions or expressive arts workshops.
- Join a homeschool nature photography club.
- Attend homeschool woodworking or carpentry workshops.
- Participate in homeschool wilderness survival skills training.
- Join a homeschool astronomy club or stargazing group.
- Attend homeschool DIY and crafting workshops.
- Join a homeschool environmental conservation group focusing on local ecosystems.
- Participate in homeschool music therapy sessions or drum circles.
- Attend homeschool history reenactments or living history events.
- Join a homeschool community service organization focused on specific causes.
- Participate in homeschool mindfulness and meditation retreats.
- Attend homeschool birdwatching or birding expeditions.
- Join a homeschool digital art and graphic design club.
- Participate in homeschool virtual reality (VR) gaming sessions or meetups.
- Attend homeschool entrepreneurship and business workshops.
- Join a homeschool marine biology or oceanography club.
- Participate in homeschool horseback riding clubs.
- Join a mindfulness or meditation group.
- Attend homeschool gardening or permaculture workshops.
- Participate in community choir or singing groups.
- Join a homeschool astronomy or stargazing club.
- Attend homeschool history reenactments or living history events.
- Participate in community beach cleanups or environmental projects.
- Join a homeschool coding or app development club.
- Attend homeschool speech and debate tournaments.
- Participate in homeschool art shows or exhibitions.
- Join a homeschool robotics team or competition.
- Attend homeschool nature journaling or outdoor sketching classes.
- Participate in homeschool cooking or baking competitions.
- Join a homeschool knitting or crafting group.
- Attend homeschool field trips to botanical gardens or arboretums.
- Participate in homeschool community service projects or initiatives.
- Join a homeschool community theater production or drama club.
These ideas are just a starting point! Remember to choose activities that align with your child’s interests and comfort level. By exploring diverse socialization opportunities, you’ll create meaningful experiences that support your child’s social growth and foster lasting friendships. Happy socializing!