Summer brings longer days, lighter routines, and often, a welcome break from the structure of the school year. For children receiving ABA therapy, it also offers new opportunities to continue learning and developing important life skills in a more relaxed, flexible environment.
A Season of Flexibility
Without the time constraints of school drop-offs, homework, and after-school activities, families often find summer is a great time to focus more intentionally on skill development. ABA therapy sessions can be scheduled around your child’s natural energy levels, allowing for more effective learning windows. Whether it’s helping with transitions, communication, or routines like toileting and dressing, summer gives children space to work on foundational skills without the usual time crunch.
Practicing Skills in Real Life
Summer naturally lends itself to real-world practice. Everyday activities—like going to the grocery store, visiting a park, or having lunch at a restaurant—become opportunities for children to use the strategies they’ve learned in therapy. With support from their care team, children can work on listening, turn-taking, requesting items, following directions, and navigating new environments, all while having fun with their families.
Supporting Social Growth
For many children, school is a primary source of social interaction. Without that daily exposure, summer can feel isolating—unless families are intentional about providing new social experiences. ABA therapy can help children strengthen their social skills through structured playdates, guided games, and role-playing scenarios. These experiences support things like greeting others, sharing, initiating conversations, and reading body language—skills that are crucial both in school and beyond.
Reinforcing Independence at Home
The unhurried pace of summer is perfect for building independence. Routines like brushing teeth, packing a backpack, helping set the table, or learning how to choose an outfit for the day can all be broken into simple, achievable steps. With gentle reinforcement and visual supports, children can build confidence as they take more responsibility for their daily activities, while caregivers learn how to support and celebrate their progress.
Staying on Track for the School Year Ahead
Without consistent practice, some children may experience skill regression over summer break. Continuing ABA therapy throughout the summer helps keep learned skills strong and introduces new ones that will be important in the school year ahead—like following group instructions, transitioning between tasks, and sitting for a lesson. Therapy teams can also help families prepare for new classroom expectations, easing the transition into a new grade or learning environment.
Making Summer Count
Skill-building doesn’t have to stop when school lets out. With the support of ABA therapy, summer becomes a season of growth—filled with moments of learning, laughter, and connection. Whether your child is continuing therapy or just beginning, this time of year provides valuable opportunities to reinforce strengths and prepare for what’s next.
If you’re ready to make the most of this season, Alora Behavioral Health is here to help you get started.
