Autism & Homeschooling on the High Seas

Hello. My name is Brooke and I'm asking for support to bring my son William on an educational cruise.

My son William received his diagnoses of ADHD/autism when he was 18 months old. He's now 12 years old and adjusting to our new homeschool lifestyle. Will's struggle began with public school education during the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown. He has many academic strengths which caused him to "not qualify" for services in early elementary as they "watched" him develop. When the social struggles and emotional delays/outbursts became more noticeable it was already too late because Will was showing anger at all school staff and frustration with peers. Recess was his absolute worst subject he'd always say. He was granted his first IEP in 2020 with 1:1 paraprofessional support. Months later COVID-19 shut down schools. Switching between "in-person" learning and "virtual" learning year after year became a big source of anxiety for him on top of the delayed special education support he received. I witnessed a change in Will's attitude relating to school that culminated in a middle school suspension and verbal threats trying to get suspended.

I decided to give Will a break from the formal classroom before behaviors escalated and became routine! He was still young and a neat, funny, loving kid at home. I wanted to try homeschooling and take him out of the environment causing the struggles. I'm trying to take Will on adventures to places we could incorporate learning/study together. Involving Will in his own education and making lessons meaningful to him.

Will started learning life skills and independence during our first trip together. We went on a trip that focused on science (Geology) which is his focus subject of choice. I know Will learns best in an emersive environment and I have seen measurable social and emotional gains over the past year. The most important improvement I've witnessed is his self confidence and empathy for others.

Traveling has been very expensive on top of therapy, meds, doctors visits, etc. It was an important intervention to take in order to encourage social and emotional maturity at his own pace.

I'd love to use all money received to take Will on a cruise to a foreign country. I believe it's important to show him different cultures and diversity around the world. It's my hope to raise funds to take a cruise to South America (Chile/Peru/Panama Canal). If that's not possible he would love to see Europe, too. Traveling abroad would make social, educational and cultural enrichment a priority for Will as well as showing that learning is something to be enjoyed! Will had an outgoing and adventurous spirit that needs support since COVID-19. Autism does not set limits for Will and the "one-size-fits-all" education that was offered is not the best path forward to help him thrive!

Thank you for allowing us to share,

Brooke and William 

Please visit Will's website that HE created as part of our homeschooling project while traveling:

www.roadschooladventurer.com

I need help with achieving my goal to show Will a new country.