As the school year winds down, many families look forward to a break from the rigors of academic life. But for children with autism, the transition to summer break can be challenging. Without the structure and routine of the school day, many children with autism are at risk for regression in their skills and behaviors.
As a Long Island child psychologist specializing in autism, I have seen firsthand the importance of continued services during the summer months. In this blog post, I will explain why children with autism are likely to regress without continued services and why it’s important to maintain their progress.
Regression is Common for Children with Autism
Children with autism often require a high level of structure and routine to maintain their progress. The transition to summer break can be jarring, disrupting the routines and schedules that children rely on. Without the familiar structure of the school day, many children with autism struggle to maintain their skills and behaviors.
Regression can take many forms. For some children, it may mean a loss of social skills or communication abilities. For others, it may mean a return to repetitive or self-injurious behaviors. Whatever form it takes, regression can be frustrating and disheartening for both children and their families.
Continued Services Can Help Prevent Regression
The good news is that there are steps you can take to prevent regression in your child. One of the most effective is to continue with autism services throughout the summer months. Whether it’s therapy, social skills groups, or other interventions, maintaining a consistent schedule of services can help your child maintain their progress.
When you work with a Long Island child psychologist specializing in autism, they can help you develop a plan for summer services that meets your child’s unique needs. This may include a mix of in-person and telehealth services, depending on your family’s preferences and your child’s abilities.
Benefits of Continued Services for Children with Autism
In addition to preventing regression, continued services can have many other benefits for children with autism. These include:
- Maintaining progress in key areas such as communication, social skills, and academic performance.
- Providing a consistent source of support and guidance for families.
- Helping children build independence and confidence.
- Fostering a sense of community and belonging through social skills groups and other group activities.
Summer break can be a challenging time for children with autism, but continued services can help prevent regression and maintain progress. As a Long Island child psychologist specializing in autism, I encourage families to work with a qualified provider to develop a plan for summer services that meets their child’s unique needs. By doing so, you can help your child have a successful and enjoyable summer, while also setting them up for success in the coming school year.