You can't get the idea of Homeschooling 

out of your head... 

But you don't know where to start. 

You're not alone. 

Homeschooling your nonspeaking* child can feel scary. You know that the other educational options aren't great, but might feel unqualified or think that you don't have the time and resources to give your child what they really deserve. 

But homeschooling doesn't have to be scary and hard. 

It can be joyful, freeing... and easier than you ever imagined!

How do we know? 

Because we've experienced it ourselves!

*We use "nonspeaking" on this page to refer to all nonspeakers, unreliably speaking and minimally speaking individuals. 

Doors are closed to NHS... for now! Want to stay in touch and get updates, including when doors will open again? Jump on my email list:

Learning about Spelling and Presuming Competence has Changed Everything for your Family

But the schools have not changed.

 You know most teachers and therapists mean well and may even love your child... And yet. They are not giving your child what they need. You have so much hope for the future but your heart is still breaking for your child on a daily basis. You are stuck and frustrated. It seems that drastic action is necessary, but that is terrifying and you feel frozen. But you also know that you can't wait for a system to change that takes years or decades to catch up with reality. 

But how will you fill your days? 

Creating school at home sounds completely overwhelming, if not impossible!

We have amazing news for you. You do not need to create school at home! In fact - why would you want to do that? School is exactly what what is failing your child! In NHS you will learn how to incorporate homeschooling into the life you are already living and meet your kid where they are. Instead of being constantly underestimated and compared to other kids, your child will feel valued, loved and make progress that they could never make in the school setting!

Nonspeakers Homeschool Support is a community that will help you get focused and prioritize what you need right now to take the next step on your homeschool journey. 

Who are "We"?

Hello! I'm Susan May, long time homeschool mom to my 3 children (17 yo, 14 yo and 8 yo). All 3 were homeschooled their whole lives. Besides homeschooling my teaching experience includes: High school science, Hypnobabies birth classes, and online English to students in China.

But none of those are what make me "qualified" to homeschool. I believe all parents are qualified to homeschool their children if they are willing to put the time and effort in. Most of that time and energy goes into unlearning "Truths" we internalized that are actually NOT true. The most important qualities a homeschool parent can have are being loving, patient, generous and a desire to create a rich life together with their children. Don't feel like you naturally have those qualities? Great news! They can be learned and cultivated.

I began Spelling with my son Carter in the Spring of 2023 when he was 7 years old. I love encouraging others and am excited for more Spellers to experience the joys of homeschooling.

I also have business experience organizing online communities and coaching, and am looking forward to utilizing those skills to help more families of nonspeakers thrive. NHS is a project I have been dreaming of for months, if not years, and am so excited to see it being realized now. 

Now let me introduce my amazing partner in this venture:

Still not sure? Let us tell you more!

 Nonspeakers Homeschool Support is a place where you will find the following:

(Just remember AEIOU!)

• ACCOUNTABILTY - Stay on target with your goals, and when you inevitably get "off" track our community will help you get back on! Or maybe they'll help you see things in a new way so you define a new goal. Find a partner or group with similar needs to connect with deeply and enhance your dedication. 
• ENCOURAGEMENT - who doesn't need need more encouragement in their lives? Even the most positive of us have dark thoughts sometimes. Autism is a hard road  is akin to a lifelong marathon. Cheerleaders are a must on this journey!
• INSPIRATION - There is nothing like the stories of other autism families and spellers. It's often what keeps us going. Coming together to share our stories is such a powerful experience for all - those sharing and those receiving. This is a safe and private place to share stories and inspire each other.
• OWNERSHIP - This space is for YOU. You will co-create the structure and experience with Susan, April and the other members. This means that it will evolve to meet your specific needs. Not only that, but YOU will be exactly what someone else needs. 
• UNDERSTANDING - There are some things that only families with our unique experience "get". Enough said.

Remember:

It's like the difference between us giving you one fish to feed you for a single meal versus teaching you to fish so you can eat for the rest of your life!

FAQs:

Does my loved one need to be nonspeaking and autistic for me to join NHS?

NHS is geared to helping families with a nonspeaking, unreliably speaking or minimally speaking member. There are unique challenges to homeschooling and life in our families. However, we know that there are many others who struggle with apraxia and speech challenges who are not autistic, such as individuals with Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy or other disabilities. We welcome anyone who feels NHS is a good fit for their family. 

Do you need to be homeschooling to join NHS?

No! We welcome families who are currently homeschooling, researching it as an option or who choose to use other education options (public, private, tutoring etc.) but still feel NHS could benefit them in creating a thriving home environment for their family.

Does my Speller need to be open or fluent on the letterboard for me to join?

Absolutely not! In fact, Susan's son is currently working on the 3 boards and answering only "known" questions. We welcome families whose loved ones' skills on the board range from beginner to open/fluent. It is up to each family to decide whether NHS is a good fit and supports their family's needs and goals. 

Are you targeting a specific age range for NHS?

We’re open to a wide range of ages considering that we’ll be targeting things that are helpful for all ages - spelling, motor skills and control, community integration and including our loved ones in all aspects of family/community life. My nonspeaking son is 8 but my 2 older kids are almost 18 and 15. April's son Aydan is 19 and also has 2 other kids, ages 20 and 9. 

How is this different from a free Facebook group?

Free Facebook groups are great and serve a purpose, but they can only go so far. In a paid membership community your unique needs are the focus and you will receive a high level of ongoing support. There is also the additional benefit of your level of commitment. When you invest time and money into something, you are more likely to follow through on your intentions, build new healthy habits, and apply what you are learning. 

Are there scholarship opportunities to help with the cost of NHS? 

We are committed to keeping this amazing community and resource accessible. For families whose financial circumstances make joining difficult or impossible, we do offer assistance. Please email Susan at riseup@togetherwalking.com to schedule a call to talk about scholarship opportunities. 

Questions? Email Susan at:

riseup@togetherwalking.com

Homeschooling your nonspeaker starts with a courageous leap and becomes a marathon (with some sprints thrown in!)

Cultivating the mindset, habits and home routines that support not just your child, but you and your whole family takes time, perseverance and faith. Sometimes during the marathon we get bogged down and disheartened.

That's why doing all these things in community - with others on the same journey - will get you through the hard times when you doubt or think you can't go on.

Now is the time for your family to thrive.

Last reminder...This will be the last time to join at $15/month. 

Monthly membership will increase in 2025.

Remember...only:

until doors close! 

If you're ready, what are you waiting for??

Join now! We'll see you on the inside. :-)