Self-Directed Learning & Neurodiversity
Our journey to happily autistic
OK…now that we have broken with traditional parenting and learned (more accurately started to learn) this amazing human being that has been entrusted to us…now we are ready to begin rebuilding. Something I am coming to learn loads about actually…thanks to #HomeCrazzyHome.
In fact this whole process is kinda like what we have gone through with re-wiring this house…
A CELEBRATION of PDA…starring PanKwake. As all of you know from my Autism Acceptance month posts…I HATE the word AWARENESS. Because it just does not go far enough to helping individuals.
BUT this morning’s doctor’s appointment was a reminder that when it comes to Pathological Demand Avoidance…autism with demand avoidant traits…or this unique presentation of NEURODIVERGENCE…
So far you have…
Thrown out all you thought or were told about education and parenting…
Gotten to truly know your little person…
Died to self and put your child first…
Isn’t that enough, you ask? Are you sadistic or masochistic, woman? What do you expect of us?
Yes, I know…HIGH standards. Impossibly high to achieve 100% of the time. Yes, even for me. That is why Step Four is the absolute most crucial…
To home educate and especially to Radically Unschool…
You Must LIKE Your Child!
Know you have broken with all the traditional parenting advice…
You have gotten to really know your child…
What’s next?
Step Three: Die…Die…DIE!
No, we are not joining our kids for a game of Minecraft and killing zombies. I wish. This one is even harder than that.
It is about dying to self. Doing the most radical thing imaginable for many people…and one that is almost sure to take you back to that first step and incite the ire of your in-laws…
This one is about putting the needs of your child above your own.
Once you have thrown out all those parenting books…stopped watching silly TV shows by nannies who have NEVER had a child of their own…and told your mother/mother-in-law where to stick their advice (Something along the lines of…Oh, yes, and that worked so well for yours! with a roll of the eyes and walk away.)…now you are ready to begin this Crazzy journey into HAPPILY radically unschooling your child with…
Step Two: KNOW THY CHILD!
So we are entering the home stretch. I thought I would use these last few days to share with you, my tips for Radically Unschooling your autistic/neurodivergent or even neurotypical child.
Step 1: Throw Out EVERYTHING You Think You Know About Parenting…and Education!
