This post contains affiliate links and we may earn a commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Our Top Picks:
- Math-U-See
- Beautiful Feet Books
- All About Learning
- Explode the Code
- Touch Type Read Spell
Homeschooling an elementary-aged child with high-functioning autism presents unique challenges and opportunities. The right curriculum can help your child thrive academically while also supporting their social, emotional, and executive functioning development. Below are some of the best homeschool curriculums that cater to the learning styles, strengths, and needs of elementary-aged kids with high-functioning autism.
Math-U-See
Best for: Hands-on, mastery-based math learning
Math-U-See is a highly structured, mastery-based math program that uses manipulatives and step-by-step video lessons. This approach is excellent for students with autism who benefit from concrete, visual learning methods and a clear progression of skills. The mastery approach also helps minimize frustration by allowing students to work at their own pace.
Why it works:
- Concrete, visual approach using manipulatives.
- Clear, step-by-step instruction minimizes confusion.
- Mastery-based learning prevents gaps in understanding.
- Video lessons reduce the need for parental instruction.
Beautiful Feet Books
Best for: Literature-based, hands-on history and geography
Beautiful Feet Books offers a literature-based curriculum that uses high-quality living books to teach social studies. This is especially beneficial for students with autism who may struggle with traditional textbooks but thrive through storytelling and hands-on projects. The curriculum also includes art, mapping, crafts, cooking, and simple writing assignments to help reinforce learning.
Why it works:
- Engages students through storytelling rather than textbooks.
- Offers hands-on projects to enhance comprehension.
- Provides clear lesson plans to reduce overwhelm.
- Allows for flexible pacing to meet individual needs.
All About Learning
Best for: Multi-sensory reading and spelling instruction
All About Reading and All About Spelling are hands-on, multi-sensory curriculums that teaches reading and spelling through step-by-step lessons, physical letter tiles, and engaging stories. This approach is particularly helpful for students with autism who may struggle with traditional reading methods. It also integrates phonics and language rules in a clear and structured way.
Why it works:
- Hands-on learning with letter tiles.
- Step-by-step instruction reduces overwhelm.
- Emphasis on mastery learning prevents gaps.
- Builds confidence through gradual skill development.
Explode the Code
Best for: Strengthening reading and spelling skills
Explode the Code is a simple, phonics-based program that helps build strong foundational reading and spelling skills. Its predictable, repetitive structure is especially effective for students with learning differences like autism, as it reduces overwhelm and builds confidence.
Why it works:
- Simple, predictable layout reduces overwhelm.
- Repetitive practice reinforces learning.
- Self-paced work allows for gradual skill-building.
Touch Type Read Spell
Best for: Developing typing skills while reinforcing reading and spelling
Touch Type Read Spell (TTRS) is a multi-sensory typing program designed specifically for children with dyslexia, learning differences, and processing challenges — making it an excellent choice for many children with high-functioning autism. The program teaches typing while simultaneously reinforcing reading and spelling skills. The structured, repetitive lessons help reduce overwhelm while building confidence.
Why it works:
- Multi-sensory learning integrates typing with spelling and reading.
- Predictable lesson structure minimizes anxiety.
- Self-paced lessons build confidence gradually.
- Allows children to gain practical typing skills alongside literacy development.
Final Thoughts
The best homeschool curriculums for elementary kids with high-functioning autism are those that accommodate their learning style, nurturestheir strengths, and provide structure without being rigid. By combining a core academic curriculum with hands-on learning, structured lesson plans, and interest-based electives, you can create an enriching and effective homeschool experience for your child. Be open to adjusting the curriculum as needed, and remember that one of the greatest gifts of homeschooling is the ability to meet your child exactly where they are and help them thrive.