National Challenged Homeschoolers, or NATHHAN, is a nonprofit Christian group. They help families homeschooling children with disabilities or special needs by offering resources and support.
A peer-reviewed study published in Peabody Journal of Education found that homeschooled children are typically well-adjusted socially and score above average on measures of social skills, emotional development, and daily living skills (Richard Medlin, 2013). According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), approximately 3.3 million students were homeschooled in the United States as of 2023, representing roughly 6% of the school-age population.
What is nathhan?
NATHHAN stands for National Challenged Homeschoolers Associated Network. It’s a nonprofit Christian organization. They support families who homeschool kids with disabilities or special needs. NATHHAN connects parents through a family matching network, a lending library, a magazine, and forums where they can share ideas and challenges. They also run CHASK, a ministry that helps match children with special needs to adoptive families.
Family matching network
NATHHAN has a matching service that connects families homeschooling kids with similar diagnoses. If you're homeschooling a child with a rare condition, finding another family in the same boat can be a game changer. They have a directory to help you find others facing similar situations. This peer support offers real advice from parents who know what you're going through.
Resources and support
Their lending library lets families access specialized materials without buying them. NATHHAN NEWS is a magazine published twice a year. It features articles by homeschooling parents of special needs kids sharing their stories. They also have discussion boards and counseling referrals, all offering support based on real-life experiences.
Chask adoption ministry
Started in 2002, CHASK helps match children with special needs, even those diagnosed in utero, with Christian adoptive families. The service is free, which means no agency fees are involved. Birth parents get profiles of families ready to adopt within hours of reaching out. For families thinking about adopting a child with special needs, CHASK connects them directly, avoiding the usual delays.
The bottom line
NATHHAN fills a need for Christian families homeschooling kids with special needs. They offer practical help and a faith-based community. By connecting you with other parents who understand your challenges, NATHHAN provides support you can't find elsewhere. They've been around for over 25 years, creating networks and resources that newer groups can't match. For families managing special needs homeschooling, just the matching network can make membership worthwhile.
