Keeping Progress Going Without School: Avoiding Summer Regression

Summer break is a time of relaxation and fun, but for children with autism, ADHD, or global developmental delay (GDD), the lack of structure can lead to regression in academic, behavioral, and social skills. Research indicates that children with special needs are at a higher risk of experiencing the “summer slide,” a phenomenon where students lose some of the achievement gains they made during the previous school year.

To help your child maintain their progress during the summer months, consider the following strategies:

🧭 1. Maintain a Consistent Routine

Children with neurodevelopmental differences often thrive on predictability. Keeping regular bedtimes, mealtimes, and daily schedules can provide a sense of security. Visual schedules and daily checklists can assist in setting expectations and easing transitions between activities.

🎯 2. Set Achievable Summer Goals

Establishing specific, attainable goals can give your child a sense of purpose.These goals can be academic, such as reading a certain number of books, or skill-based, like learning to tie shoelaces. Involving your child in goal-setting can increase motivation and engagement.

📚 3. Incorporate Learning into Daily Activities

Learning doesn’t have to be confined to traditional study sessions. Everyday activities offer opportunities for skill development.

• Cooking: Enhances math and reading skills through measuring ingredients and following recipes.
• Shopping: Develops social and communication skills by interacting with store staff.
• Outdoor Play: Promotes physical health and can be used to teach science concepts like plant growth or weather patterns.

🧩 4. Engage in Sensory and Social Activities

Participating in sensory-rich activities can help children with sensory processing challenges. Options include:

• Nature Walks: Stimulate the senses with different sights, sounds, and textures.
• Art Projects: Allow for creative expression and tactile exploration.
• Group Activities: Encourage social interaction and communication skills.

🧠 5. Continue Therapeutic Interventions

If your child receives therapies such as ABA, speech, or occupational therapy, maintaining these services during the summer can prevent regression. If in-person sessions aren’t feasible, consider virtual options or incorporating therapeutic exercises into daily routines.

🏕️ 6. Explore Structured Summer Programs

Enrolling your child in summer camps or programs designed for children with special needs can provide structured environments that promote learning and socialization. These programs often offer individualized support and activities tailored to various developmental levels

📖 7. Foster a Love for Reading and Writing

Encourage your child to read daily, choosing books that align with their interests. Writing activities, such as journaling or creating stories, can enhance literacy skills and provide an outlet for self-expression.

🧘 8. Prioritize Emotional Well-being

Summer can be an excellent time to focus on emotional regulation and coping strategies. Practices like mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, and discussing feelings can help your child manage anxiety and improve self-awareness.

🌟 Final Thoughts

By proactively planning and incorporating these strategies, you can help your child maintain their developmental gains and enjoy a fulfilling summer. Remember, consistency, engagement, and support are key components in preventing regression during school breaks.

Note: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for concerns regarding your child’s development.

Sources:

https://nap.nationalacademies.org/read/25546/chapter/5

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/ Demir-Lira ÖE, Levine SC. Reading Development in Typically Developing Children and Children With Prenatal or Perinatal Brain Lesions: Differential School Year and Summer Growth. J Cogn Dev. 2016;17(4):596-619. doi: 10.1080/15248372.2016.1200049. Epub 2016 Jul 6. PMID: 29033694; PMCID: PMC5639475

Duncan, J. J. (2016). The impact of summer break from school on children with severe autism and their parents: An interdisciplinary study (Doctoral dissertation, Laurentian University). Laurentian University Institutional Repository. https://laurentian.scholaris.ca/handle/10219/2817