As the school year winds down and summer approaches, many families look forward
to a break from structured routines. For neurodiverse learners, however, an extended
pause in services can lead to more than just a gap in academics—it can mean lost
progress, disrupted routines, and increased challenges in behavior and emotional
regulation.
That’s why summer therapy and engagement opportunities are so critical. Whether
your child receives ABA, speech, occupational therapy, or other supports, maintaining
consistency during the summer months can set the stage for continued growth and a
smoother transition back to school in the fall.
Why Consistency Matters
and repetition. The school year typically provides
a predictable structure, access to supports, and
frequent opportunities to practice social,
communication, and daily living skills. When that
structure suddenly disappears in June, children
can:
- Lose previously mastered skills due to lack of use or reinforcement
- Struggle with unstructured time, leading to increases in problem behaviors
- Experience regression in emotional regulation and coping strategies
- Have a harder time adjusting when routines resume in the fall
Summer therapy offers a bridge—providing
routine, practice, and support in a fun, flexible
way.
Making Summer Sessions Fun & Functional
The great thing about summer is that therapy doesn’t have to feel like “work.” In fact, summer is the perfect time to make sessions more naturalistic, playful, and community based. For example:
- The great thing about summer is that therapy doesn’t have to feel like “work.” In fact, summer is the perfect time to make sessions more naturalistic, playful, and community based. For example:
- ABA therapists might practice social skills during a trip to the park or ice cream shop
- Speech sessions could include games, outdoor scavenger hunts, or storytelling
- OT goals might be integrated into swimming, bike riding, or art activities
This kind of engagement helps generalize skills
to real-world settings and reinforces learning in
ways that are motivating and meaningful for the
child.
Benefits of Summer Therapy for the Whole Family
Therapy during the summer months doesn’t just
benefit the child—it can ease the burden for
families, too:
- Parents get continued coaching and support, which can be especially helpful when routines change
- Siblings benefit from having structured activities and predictable times
- Families avoid the stress of “catching up” when services resume in the fall Plus, therapists can often take more time in the summer to target life skills, like toileting, chores, or community safety—goals that are harder to prioritize during the busy school year.
Tips for Keeping Your Child Engaged This Summer
Even if your child isn’t in full-time therapy, there are still many ways to keep them engaged:
- Stick to a simple routine: Use a visual schedule to keep days predictable.
- Plan low-pressure outings: Libraries, splash pads, and sensory-friendly events are great options.
- Practice daily living skills: Cooking, dressing, or organizing toys are all teachable moments.
- Stay connected with your therapy team: Ask for a summer plan, even if sessions decrease.
Summer is a season of opportunity—especially for
neurodiverse learners. It’s a time to build on
strengths, reinforce key skills, and experience the joy
of learning in new ways.
By continuing therapy and staying engaged, families
can help their children make meaningful progress
while still enjoying the slower pace and sunshine of
summer.
Because growth doesn’t stop in June—and neithershould support.