By DIANA SCHOBERG
The Patriot Ledger

PEMBROKE - Eleven-year-old Lee Parker Jr. stands at the kitchen counter, concentration zeroed in on a bottle of vinegar he hasn’t been able to open.
“Dad, will you help me open the vinegar?” he asks “Big Lee” Parker. “It won’t open.”

They’re standing in front of a red and blue homemade volcano, and once the vinegar bottle is opened they demonstrate Lee Jr.’s most recent science project, a lesson in chemistry as baking soda and vinegar fizzle all over the countertop.

For Lee, who has autism, the hands-on learning has become increasingly common over the past few months.

His mom pulled him out of the Pembroke public schools in the spring so she can homeschool him.

“I thought homeschooling was more appropriate for him,” Robin Parker said. “Lee feels very comfortable with homeschooling as well. It can be very structured for him, which is important.”

The Parkers can’t talk about Lee’s experience in the special education program in Pembroke because of a pending legal dispute.

But they say that at home, they are able to give the personalized and structured lessons that help Lee best reach his potential.

“He’s very interested in learning,” Robin Parker said. “He just soaks it up. He’s a bright, bright boy.”

Parts of his days are spent at appointments with occupational, physical and speech therapists. Other times, he’s at home getting lessons from his mom, who used to work as a caregiver for disabled children and adults. When he needs to focus, he often rolls on a therapy ball while he does his class work.

Robin Parker said Lee is a visual learner, and so she tailors his lessons to best fit his learning style and interests.

He’s really into learning about his ancestry - “My dad thinks he might be part Indian,” Lee explained.- And he loves dragons and books about them.

“I like books,” Lee said, holding up a Zelda choose-your-own-adventure book that he’s read several times.

Robin Parker said she and Lee have become involved with a homeschooling group of about 100 families on the South Shore. Lee is able to socialize with other kids his age through field trips with the group, as well as participation in Little League and a bowling league with his cousin.

“There’s plenty of programs,” Robin Parker said. “They do not lack the socialization.”

Diana Schoberg may be reached at dschoberg@ledger.com.