A Curated Selection of
ND-friendly Homeschooling Options for Your Family

Bird that symbolizes our motto: Give them Wings and Watch them Soar.

What is ND-friendly Homeschooling?

Self-paced & Child-centered Curriculum | Allows for Asynchronous Development & Learning |

Cultivate the Love of Learning | Embrace Hyperfocus & Monotropism | Remedial & Accelerated Subjects |

Delight-directed Learning for Special Interests | Psycho-Social Education & Family Support |

Social- Emotional Development | Accommodates Autistic Support Needs |

Find & Fix Learning Gaps on the Go | Understand ND Functioning isn't Fixed |

Supports Neuro-differences & Sensory Differences & Social Differences |

Support Learning Differences & Executive Functioning | Independence may look different.

Neuro-affirming

A neurodivergent-affirming approach to neurodevelopmental conditions recognizes the unique strengths

and support needs of all neurotypes, contrasting with deficit-based models focused on "fixing" differences.

It acknowledges how environmental and societal barriers can worsen challenges for neurodivergent individuals.

Traditional therapies often push neurodivergent individuals to mask their traits, leading to negative outcomes like shame and anxiety. In contrast, neuro-affirming practices promote understanding of neurodiversity,

inform individuals about differences and provide accommodations and supports that affirm neurodivergent identities.

Thus empowering neurodivergents to self-advocate for their support needs in the classroom and workplace,

and ultimately to enhance wellness, self-esteem and functional independence.

Matric Pathways

There are 3 Curriculum Pathways and 4 Matric Qualifications (School Leaving Certificates) popular with

Homeschoolers in South Africa; all are recognized by USAf, SAQA and our Tertiary Institutions.

Children have different needs and you need to choose the best fit for your child.

AHSD or GED

American Pathway

This is the most neuro-affirming option because it is so versatile and flexible. You can also do a variety of homeschool approaches, like Charlotte Mason, Eclectic and more.

It is also mastery-based, self-paced and child-centered. You have 2 school exits you can choose from, the GED or the American High School Diploma.

Cambridge or Pearson Edexcel

British Pathway

Cambridge or Pearson Edexcel are less neuro-affirming, especially in high school, but primary school can be fairly self-paced and child-centered. IGCSE, AS & A levels often lead to overwhelm and shutdowns for ND students.

It also depends on the service provider you use, see recommendations below for more neuro-affirming options.

CAPS-aligned with NSC or IEB

South African Pathway

This is the least neuro-affirming, just because of the way that the curriculum and exams are structured. It does not really allow for asynchronous development or a spiky profile. You may have to do a remedial CAPS to accommodate learning differences.

Make sure you go for a more neuro-affirming service provider, see recommendations below.

1. American Pathway

For more information on how to homeschool with the American Curriculum, click on the yellow bird for the AHSD and the blue bird for the GED.

What Age is your Child?

Homeschooling the Primary years versus Homeschooling the Middle School and High School years may look very different.

Remember to let the Curriculum fit the Child, and not visa versa. Teach them in the Way they Learn.

As our children grow and adapt, so should the way we homeschool.

Gr. R-5

Primary School

I recommend a book-based curriculum for the young ones, e.g. The Good & The Beautiful or Footprints. Gentle, self-paced, parent-led, with a lot of Read-Alouds & Living Books.

Focus on cultivating the Love of Learning and focus on your child's glimmers and SPINS. Make sure there are neuro-affirming support and accommodations for your child's learning differences and asynchronous development.

Gr. 6-8

Middle School

I recommend a blended approach, where you combine a book-based and online approach.

Focus on fixing learning gaps to prepare your child for the more rigorous formal pathway in High School & on cultivating independent learners.

Support your child's neurodivergent needs and especially their Executive Functioning.

Gr. 9-12

High School

I recommend an accredited online service provider, with tutor support, for the AHSD.

For the GED, you can continue with a blended approach and enroll with a GED-prep service provider for gr.12, e.g. Learnalot.

Allow for a spiky profile and keep in mind that neurodivergent functioning is not fixed. Prioritize your child's mental health & Wellness over academic achievement.

1. Pick your Core Curriculum with Main Subjects: English LA, 2nd Language, Math, Science, Social Studies, Electives (depending on age, grade level and school exit).

2. ADD Afrikaans as 2nd Language.

3. ADD Art, Music & Nature Activities.

4. ADD Readers / Read-Alouds (Living Books).

5. ADD Handwriting & Typing (as needed)

6. ADD SEE (Support/Enrich/Enhance) Subjects for Delight-directed Learning.

6.1 Support Learning Differences (as needed)

6.2. Fix Learning Gaps (as needed)

6.3. Unstructured free time to pursue Special Interests & Monotropic Flow State for Self-Regulation.

7. Engage in interest-led Social Activities & Extracurriculars in your local Homeschool Community, e.g. Coding/Robotics, Sport, Gymnastics, Dance, Horse riding, Art classes, Theatre, Music Lessons, Archery, etc.