Quality low-cost or free homeschool curriculum for autism. Removing autistic children from public schools is becoming more popular by the day. Homeschooling allows parents to take charge of their autistic child’s education, supporting them to learn a their own pace.
Whether homeschooling a kindergartener or an eighth grader, you’ll need to find the right curriculum for your student. Here are 10 quality FREE homeschool resources that can be used for autistic learners.
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10 Best FREE Homeschool Programs for Autism
The following free educational resources can be used for different types of learners.
- Autism
- ADHD
- Dyslexia
- Auditory Processing Issues
- Sensory Processing Challenges
When you begin homeschooling your autistic child (or any child), focus on the most important subject areas first. Those core subjects are the 3 Rs.
- Reading
- wRiting
- aRrithmetic
1. ST Math
Autistic children, like many neurodivergent children, are often very strong visual learners. And this is what makes ST Math a fantastic online program.
ST Math is an excellent visually-based online math program designed to support students with a strong foundation in math concepts.
Unlike traditional online courses that rely heavily on auditory input, ST is based almost entirely on engaging visual aids to teach math. I highly recommend the program to young children and older students.
Additionally, ST Math is a great resource for (non-speaking) nonverbal students as well as those with ADHD, FASD, and dyslexia.
2. Khan Academy
Created by Sal Khan, Khan Academy is a FREE online math program. It offers video-based lessons that focus on specific math skills and concepts.
This video-based program is beneficial for autistic students in many ways. Specifically, Sal Khan’s rate of speech is perfect for those with slower processing speed or other challenges with language skills.
It’s an excellent choice for both elementary and high school students as it covers topics through college-level math. In the end, Khan Academy is a great option to supplement your math curriculum at home.
3. The Good and the Beautiful Math
The Good and the Beautiful is a popular homeschool curriculum company that’s also led by some very generous leaders.
One of my favorite things about this curriculum company is that they offer free downloads of many different levels. Specifically, FREE downloadable PDF files of their math curriculum for grades kindergarten through 6th grade.
This makes it easy for parents to pick and choose lessons that work best for their child’s unique needs. Again, this is what makes the homeschool environment optimal for outside-the-box learners.
*Note that The Good and the Beautiful is a faith-based company.
4. Peanut Butter Fish Lessons
One of the many gifts of autistic and ADHD minds is the ability to hyperfocus on areas of interest. And this is what makes homeschooling with unit studies incredible for autistic students.
Randi Smith, former Speech-language pathologist turned curriculum creator and homeschooling mother, began designing unit studies for her children years ago.
Randi’s library of FREE Unit Studies at Peanut Butter Fish Lessons is STOCKED! Even better, she infuses her knowledge of speech and language into every unit study which makes them perfect for kids with language-based learning disabilities.
- autism,
- dyslexia,
- APD,
- and ADHD.
As such, she likely has unit studies based on your child’s specific interests.
If a study isn’t completely FREE, her for-cost products are cost-effective. Peanut Butter Fish Lessons is one of the best homeschool resources out there and in my opinion, is a hidden gem for neurodivergent learners.
5. Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool
Easy Peasy All in One Homeschool is an award-winning curriculum designed by a homeschool mom, Lee Giles.
It includes 180 days of lesson plans for a full school year of grades kindergarten through eighth grade. Lesson plans include all subject areas including:
However, children don’t have to cover all subjects at one time.
Don’t Overdo It
I recommend focusing on foundational skills in reading and math. (I don’t recommend formal writing until the minimum 4th grade. And even later for reluctant writers.)
On the other hand, if your autistic child is super into science or history, use those subject areas as the basis of learning.
For example, reading a history book is “reading time”.
In the end, I believe that the Easy Peasy curriculum program is one of those helpful resources to give homeschool parents a guide of ideas.
6. Sheppard Software
Sheppard Software is a fantastic homeschool educational resource of online games meant to support a love of learning in a variety of subject areas.
These include:
- math,
- geography,
- Spanish,
- and spelling.
We’ve been using their geography games for more than a decade and love them.
If your child is in a traditional school system and needs homework help, Sheppard Software games are a great resource for after-school support.
7. Youtube Videos
Friend, do not buy into the lie that you have to force your child to sit at a desk all day in order for them to receive a top-quality education. This is especially true for neurodivergent kids.
As mentioned earlier, Autistic children often have strong cognitive skills related to visual processing and visual memory. Use this to their learning advantage.
Sadly, many neurodivergent learners who’ve previously been in the traditional school system have some form of PTSD-related trauma.
Removing the audience is an excellent way to reduce school-related anxiety.
This means when you back off instead of insisting on teaching all the lessons, your child is likely able to learn more effectively.
Independent Learning with YouTube
This is when independence is essential for autistic and ADHD students.
Friend, YouTube can be your greatest asset if you know how to use it well. Set up a playlist of videos to support their learning of math, reading, spelling, science, and history.
Here are a couple of amazing math programs to support elementary learners:
- NumberBlocks
- I can’t more highly recommend the Numberblocks channel to support a solid foundation in math skills.
- Numberjacks
- Numberjacks is excellent for teaching kids critical math skills like number bonds.
Bookmark this post and check out more highly recommended math videos for kids.
Yellow Level of Number Blocks
Numberblocks is an excellent visual tool to support your child’s understanding of foundational math skills. The yellow level works through multiple topics:
- doubling
- halving
- multiplication
- division
- place value
- factoring
- and more
Hint: Don’t worry about your child’s age. Focus on giving them the tools to learn these concepts.
8. Starfall
Starfall used to be a completely free online curriculum with the goal of teaching children to read. However, the program has expanded to include a full language arts and math program.
As such, it now has an annual fee of $35 for homeschools. Personally, I think this is a pretty reasonable cost for what they offer. The entire website has been redesigned since my earlier years of homeschooling and is visually appealing and engaging.
The program gives homeschooled children access to an online program that supports children with varying learning needs. Dr. Stephen Shutz, the founder of the Starfall program, grew up with dyslexia, and as such, created this program with unique learners in mind.
9. TLS Books
TLS Books is an educational resources website filled with downloadable printable worksheets for students in preschool through 6th grade.
You can search for supplementary worksheets based on a specific topic or grade level. Many homeschoolers steer away from workbooks and worksheet-style learning. However, many autistic students do well when given agency.
As such, I recommend TLS Books as a homeschool resource to bookmark in your online browser.
10. Free Reading Program
The Free Reading Program is a free online reading curriculum for kindergarten through 6th grade. It’s designed to be completed at the student’s pace and begins with auditory vocabulary and picture matching.
The Free Reading Program is colorful and also includes executive functioning activities related to stop-go-type exercises. Stop-go exercises work on inhibition (self-control), working memory, and other EF skills often delayed in autistic children.
After reviewing this program, I may add it to my son’s home education routine. Note that the instructional videos are a little dated. But, they’re easy to navigate making it a great option for non-speaking and speaking autistic kids.
More Curriculum Options
If you’re looking for more homeschool curriculum options for your autistic learner, here are some other helpful reviews:
- Best Reading Curriculum for Kindergarten & Beyond
- The Best Homeschool Language Arts Curriculum for Dyslexia & ADHD!
- Pick the Best Homeschool Curriculum for Your ADHD Student
- Best Homeschool Math for Struggling Students 2024
You don’t need to be a special education teacher in order to equip your child to thrive as who they’re meant to be. Don’t forget to bookmark this page for future reference.
Curriculum as a Tool
Parents of children who have struggled in traditional schools, whether public or private school, may believe something is wrong with their kids. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Autistic students, like neurotypical students, are fully capable of thriving academically. But they must be taught in a way that’s in line with how they’ve been designed to learn.
Like all curricula, each one is a tool to support your child’s learning. In other words, you’re in charge of the curriculum. It’s not in charge of you or your child. If a program isn’t working, let it go and find something that does.
Recap: 10 Free Homeschool Curriculum for Autism
Homeschooling is an amazing opportunity for autistic and other neurodivergent children who often suffer in traditional school systems.
In today’s day and age, the abundance of low-cost and free homeschool curricula available is undeniable. There’s no one more invested in your child’s well-being than you. Even more, no one knows your child better.
So, friend. Did I miss any of your favorite free homeschool curriculum options for autistic kids? Any questions?
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About the Author:
Lindsay is a trauma-informed educator with a Master’s Degree in Teaching. Her mission is to support moms to equip neurodivergent kids (ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Anxiety) to thrive as exactly who they’ve been created to be. Wait until you hear the story that led to it all…
These are great tips. I actually use a lot of these, which I guess is a win, right?? We use GATB math, starfall, and I literally just subscribed to ST math this morning, haha. But some of these I had never heard of, so thank you so much. I did just link to the private group to see if that might be a good support. Blessings.
Yay, Jennifer! I’m so glad this list of free homeschool programs for autistic learners was helpful for you! Can’t wait to know you more in the private Facebook community.
I’m bewildered. Public school was not working and traumatic for our son. Last year we tried an online charter school that had IEP and autism based platforms. NOT at ALL. The classes were general and his IEP did nothing. Our son is 11. However, he is at a 2 grade level? He is learning to read. He does basic math. Low number addition and subtraction. He is definitely NOT a 4th grader. PLEASE HELP.
Hi Lindsay,
I read your goodies and I wanted to ask if you have or could blog about parents with multiple NDV/ASD/ADHD etc.. children. I have 3 boys at home I homeschool. It’s hard on us to say the least 11,12, & 15. At times I quietly scream,cry, and feel lost, alone, and incapable. My husbands always gone and it’s just me. Day to Day tasks are endless to me and torture to them. Anything you can help me with would be life changing. Groups, Strategies, Links, or your knowledge. I’ve been so stressed for so many years I’ve gritted my teeth till they have all broke apart to the gumline and financially I am strapped with everything else. I know sounds like a lot but a little guidance goes along way. I’m sure other people have multiple special needs children but I’ve yet to find a way to find them. . ok enuf TY and God Bless u for your work and words of wisdom you share fr the greater good. <3
Tonya, Friend, thank you for reaching out about getting more support as a mom of kids with special needs. Please join us in the private facebook community of moms raising and homeschooling neurodivergent kids (ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and more). We’re here to support one another and would be honored to have you with us. Hugs to you! -Lindsay
There are dads out here too raising their autistic child(ren) themselves because the moms are lying, manipulative narcissists. We too could use your support.
Henry, I hear your pain and I honor you and all your hard work on behalf of your children. When I first started this blog, I was seeped in Fundamentalist Christianity which tells women that we’re not to “teach men.” I came from a place trying to reach the moms that were struggling with unhealthy beliefs about motherhood and parenting. I did that because that’s who I was. A mom struggling with traditional fundamentalist Christian parenting ideas running through my head. Ideas that told me that poor behavior is rooted in “sin”. All that to say, that’s where I started from… to reach that mom who was struggling as I was. However, as time has gone on, I’ve grown and am slowly changing my language to include all parents. So all that to say, I hear you. I see you and I thank you for reaching out. I’m so sorry for your pain. I know the pain of navigating narcissism. It’s so toxic. I wish you all the goodness and peace and will work to communicate my heart for all parents raising neurodivergent kids. You’re not alone. Your child is a gift and so are you, Friend.