NATHHAN (National Challenged Homeschoolers Associated Network) is a Christian nonprofit providing support, resources, and community for families homeschooling children with special needs, along with the CHASK adoption ministry.
What is NATHHAN?
NATHHAN (National Challenged Homeschoolers Associated Network) is a nonprofit Christian organization supporting families who homeschool children with disabilities or special needs. The organization provides a family matching network, lending library, magazine publication, and discussion forums connecting parents facing similar challenges. NATHHAN also operates CHASK (Christian Homes And Special Kids), a ministry matching children with special needs to adoptive families.
Key Takeaways
- Connects families homeschooling children with similar disabilities
- Publishes NATHHAN NEWS magazine twice yearly
- Operates a mail-based lending library of special needs resources
- CHASK ministry matches special needs children with adoptive families
- Membership provides access to password-protected resources
Family Matching Network
NATHHAN's matching service connects families homeschooling children with similar diagnoses or challenges. When you're homeschooling a child with a rare condition, finding another family who understands can be invaluable. The organization maintains a directory allowing families to find others facing comparable situations. This peer support often provides practical advice that professionals cannot offer, coming from parents who live the daily reality.
Resources and Support
The lending library gives families access to specialized materials without the cost of purchasing expensive resources they might only need temporarily. NATHHAN NEWS, published twice yearly, features articles written by homeschooling parents of special needs children sharing their experiences and insights. Discussion boards and counseling referrals round out the support structure. Resources are written from a lived-experience perspective rather than purely professional viewpoint.
CHASK Adoption Ministry
Launched in 2002, CHASK matches children with special needs (including preborn children diagnosed in utero) with Christian adoptive families. The service is free, eliminating agency fees that can be barriers to adoption. Birth parents receive profiles of vetted, ready-to-adopt families within hours of contact. For families considering adopting a child with special needs, CHASK provides a direct connection without typical adoption system delays.
The Bottom Line
NATHHAN fills a gap for Christian families homeschooling children with special needs who want both practical support and faith-based community. The peer-to-peer model means you're connecting with parents who understand your challenges firsthand. The organization has operated for over 25 years, building networks and resources that newer organizations cannot match. For families navigating special needs homeschooling, NATHHAN's matching network alone can be worth the membership.
