As summer approaches, many families look forward to a change in pace. But for children receiving Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, pressing pause for a few months can lead to what’s known as the “summer slide.”
What Is the Summer Slide?
The “summer slide” is a well-documented decline in academic or developmental progress during long breaks from structured learning. For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), who often thrive with consistency and routine, this slide can have broader effects—impacting communication, daily skills, and emotional regulation.
ABA therapy, an evidence-based approach that helps children with ASD build vital skills, is particularly sensitive to interruptions. Taking a break, even for a few weeks, can result in lost progress and the need to retrain previously mastered skills.
Why Consistency Matters in ABA
ABA is designed to be progressive, structured, and cumulative. It teaches skills through repetition and reinforcement, building on each child’s strengths. Research highlights that maintaining momentum through regular therapy sessions increases the likelihood of long-term success and generalization of skills.
When therapy stops abruptly, momentum is disrupted. Skills that aren’t regularly practiced may fade, and challenging behaviors can re-emerge. Consistent and intensive ABA yields the most meaningful and sustained improvements.
Common Regression Areas During Summer
Some of the most common areas where children with ASD may regress over the summer include:
- Communication Skills: Especially for children who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools, continued practice is essential to maintain language progress.
- Self-help and Daily Living: Routines like dressing, feeding, and hygiene often need daily reinforcement.
- Behavioral Regulation: The lack of structure during summer can result in more meltdowns, noncompliance, or anxiety.
How ABA Bridges the Summer Gap
Even a few hours of ABA therapy each week during summer can provide the structure and reinforcement kids need. Benefits of continuing therapy include:
- Retention of Skills: Ongoing therapy helps prevent backsliding in core areas like language and behavior.
- Targeted Seasonal Goals: Programs can focus on skills relevant to upcoming school transitions or home routines.
- Maintaining Routine: A predictable schedule, even during the relaxed summer months, can reduce stress for both children and caregivers.
Final Takeaway
For children with autism, consistency is more than just comforting—it’s foundational to growth. Skipping ABA during summer can lead to lost progress, while staying in a structured program like Acclaim Autism’s center-based services offers a valuable opportunity to strengthen and build skills in a supportive, stable environment.
This summer, help your child thrive—not slide.
Check out our services today at acclaimautism.com to prevent the summer slide.
For further reading on this topic, check out the following sources:
Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2014). Applied Behavior Analysis (2nd ed.). Pearson Education.
Buchanan, S. M., & Weiss, M. J. (2010). Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism: An Introduction. Autism New Jersey.
Gitimoghaddam, M., et al. (2022). Applied Behavior Analysis in Children and Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Scoping Review. Perspectives on Behavior Science, 45, 521–557. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40614-022-00338-x
Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25197-applied-behavior-analysis
