For many parents, finding the right school for a child with additional needs can be a long and emotional journey. A recent report from Sacramento highlights the experiences of families who have explored homeschooling, specialised schools, and other alternatives after struggling to find educational settings that meet their children’s unique needs.
Some parents say they have spent years searching for environments where their children feel understood, supported, and able to learn in ways that work best for them. While public schools provide important services for many students, several families interviewed said they continued looking for options that felt like a better fit for their child.
Parents Continue Looking for the Right Fit
The report follows Sarah Barthelmess, whose autistic son has attended multiple schools and educational programs over the years. Like many parents, she described the challenges of finding a placement that can appropriately support her child’s needs and help him succeed.
Families interviewed for the story shared similar experiences. Some turned to homeschooling, while others enrolled their children in specialized private schools. For many, the decision was driven by a desire to find an environment where their child could feel safe, engaged, and supported.
The article also highlights how navigating special education services can be overwhelming. Parents often find themselves attending numerous meetings, reviewing complex plans, and advocating for resources they believe their children need.
Specialised Schools Offer Personalised Support
One alternative highlighted in the report is the READ Academy, a private school that serves students with learning differences. The school uses smaller class sizes and tailored instruction to help meet the needs of individual learners.
Founder Leah Skinner explained that many students who arrive at the school are capable learners who simply benefit from a different educational approach. The goal is to provide an environment where students receive the attention and support they need to build confidence and make meaningful progress.
While specialized programs can offer valuable opportunities, they may not be accessible to every family due to financial and logistical considerations. 1
Homeschooling Creates New Opportunities
Some parents have chosen homeschooling as a way to create a learning experience tailored to their child’s strengths and challenges. The flexibility to adapt lessons, schedules, and teaching methods can be appealing, especially for children who may struggle in traditional classroom settings. 1
At the same time, homeschooling comes with its own challenges. Families interviewed spoke about the difficulty of accessing services, balancing responsibilities, and finding support networks with others who understand their journey. 1
Despite these obstacles, many parents continue exploring different paths because they want their children to have every opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
Every Child Deserves the Chance to Thrive
Behind every educational decision is a family trying to do what is best for their child. Whether a parent chooses public school, a specialised programme, or homeschooling, the goal is often the same: helping a child feel supported, valued, and capable of reaching their potential.
For autistic children, the right support can make a meaningful difference. When communication, social development, and individual strengths are nurtured, children are often better equipped to participate in school, build relationships, and navigate daily life with confidence.
At Sacramento ABA Therapy, we understand that every family’s journey looks different. Our team works alongside parents and caregivers to provide individualized support that helps children build important skills while creating opportunities for growth, connection, and independence.
