Autism Advocate and Athlete Kadin McElwain Inspires Others to Overcome
The year was 2019. Like most high school students, I was looking forward to a new school year, full of classes, cross-country meets, and academic achievements.
I was looking forward to my junior and senior years most of all, as these were the last two years of high school before adulthood.
Being someone with high-functioning autism, my capabilities of being in a public school were doubted by most people time and time again. But I was able to prove the naysayers wrong with my achievements.
This year was set to be no different.
Unexpected Gifts
But then, COVID-19 hit and everything was put on pause.
People with autism tend to get upset when their routines are thrown off, and I was no different.
So when I found out that all schooling would be online for the time being, I wasn’t too happy.
Not only was I upset about not being able to interact with my teachers and my peers face to face, but I didn’t have the confidence to do online school. I didn’t think I could do online school because I had autism.
But after the first few weeks of my junior year, I found out that I thrived in an online environment!
Sure, there were some hiccups during this time, as there most likely were with most people, but I was able to better concentrate on the curriculum when I was online and I ended up getting some of the best grades of my high school career! In fact, I liked it so much that I transferred to an online school for my senior year as well and I was able to graduate early. Other people with autism have felt the same way.
Bloom Where You’re Planted
According to a study done by Dr. Heyworth, Bret, and Pellicano in December 2021, while at first the transition to online schooling was tough, the participants were able to thrive in an online setting.
This goes to show that, while the public school system has tried, it failed to realize that what students with autism truly needed all along was to learn in the comfort of their homes. However, some parents might not be sure about homeschooling their child with autism, especially if they’re on the lower end of the spectrum and depend on the school resources that are provided.
My advice (and experience) would be to have faith in your child. They have the potential to do great things in the world if you accommodate their needs.
My experience with online school, while not perfect, helped me to be the adult that I am today.
If your child believes it, they can do it. They just need your support to make it happen. Whether it be online school or university, your child will do great things in the world. All they ask is for your understanding, your support, and your trust.
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Blessings,
Kimberly Bennett, LPC
Founder/CEO, It’s Only Homeschooling
Founder/CEO, The Homeschool Counseling Network
This website is not a professional counseling website and nothing here should be construed as professional counseling advice. Although Kimberly Bennett, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor, she is not your counselor, and no counselor-client relationship is established unless she has signed an agreement with you. All information provided through this website is for informational and educational purposes only.
This is so powerful!