(November 30, 2011 at 3:40 pm)Minimalist Wrote: Isn't the bigger question one of social skills? Autism is a disorder which effects social and communication skills. Does keeping her in a safe little womb help with the larger problem?
Perhaps not, Min. However, small schools that usually refused to even accept special ed money (only reason why my shitty mountain school ever did special ed) aren't even worth working with. It means that they'll simply try to isolate her either in a shitty little classroom with no inkling of what to do with her or will try to socialize her with the other kids, which will end in disaster.
If you're going to home school her, home school her right. Build an actual course, obtain the materials and teach. Don't rely on other people and certainly don't rely on the local "home school" programs. They usually assume your kid is going to be a house painter or something and never provide any challenges.
Challenge her. And get her to talk to you about talking to people. The more you can reduce her anxiety and fears about dealing with others, the better.
I've always had issues with talking to people and it has often had people figuring me to be autistic when I was younger. Took a long time, but I found my voice when I eventually learned enough protocols and techniques for talking to people that I could invent my own, and eventually have conversations like normal people do.
Fear and anxiety really drive aspies mad -- if you can help them conquer it, you help the learn how to live with their disability, instead of simply being insulated from it.
Slave to the Patriarchy no more
