How to Support ABA Therapy Over Summer Break

A flexible schedule doesn't mean a lack of structure. You can still have a predictable routine, but allow for some variation in activities. For instance, set regular times for therapy, meals, and sleep, but leave the afternoon open for fun, unstructured activities like playing outside or attending a family outing. The key is keeping certain routines consistent, like waking up and going to bed at the same time, and using visual schedules so your child knows what to expect each day.

If your child is attending summer camp, coordinate with your BCBA to ensure therapy goals are incorporated into the camp activities. For example, if your child's communication skills are a target, talk to camp staff about reinforcing language opportunities throughout the day. Your BCBA may also provide strategies or activities to use at camp to help continue progress in social skills, or communication.

Transitions can be tricky, but consistency is key. Use visual schedules to give your child a heads-up before transitioning to a new activity. For example, 5 minutes before transitioning to therapy, tell your child “In 5 minutes, we are going to therapy.” You can also use transition warnings and a first/then board (e.g., “First we finish playtime, then we work with the therapist”). This helps manage expectations and reduce anxiety during transitions.

Work closely with your child's therapist to develop a summer routine that integrates ABA therapy goals with fun summer activities. Your therapist can help you balance structure with flexibility, ensuring your child is getting the right amount of therapy while still enjoying summer activities. They can also offer guidance on maintaining reinforcement systems and behavior management strategies that work best for your child.

Summer provides a great opportunity to use natural environments for reinforcement. For example, if your child enjoys playing outside, you can reinforce appropriate social behavior (like sharing or waiting for a turn) by offering praise or preferred activities as a reward. You can also use activities like first/then boards or token systems to keep them motivated during daily routines, such as helping with chores or transitioning between activities.

Summer outings are an excellent opportunity to practice ABA skills in real-world environments. Use outings like grocery shopping, park visits, or trips to the zoo to practice communication (e.g., asking for items), waiting skills (e.g., standing in line), social skills (e.g., interacting with peers), and following instructions (e.g., listening to directions while walking). Incorporating these activities into your child's day helps them generalize skills from therapy to everyday life.

Meltdowns can happen when routines change, but consistency and preparation can help reduce their frequency. Keep the routine predictable with a visual schedule and offer plenty of positive reinforcement for good behavior. When meltdowns occur, use calming techniques and ensure that transitions are well-managed with clear warnings (e.g., “In 10 minutes, we will clean up and go to park”). Reducing the amount of unstructured time or sudden changes to the schedule can also help minimize frustration.

Use playdates and family gatherings as opportunities to reinforce social skills and communication. Set specific goals for the playdate, like practicing turn-taking, asking for help, or sharing toys. You can also work with the ABA team to identify skills that are important to practice in these settings and reinforce them with positive feedback or small rewards.

Sleep disturbances are common during the summer, especially if routines shift. Try to maintain a consistent bedtime routine, even if it's more relaxed on weekends. Keep the sleep environment calm and comfortable, and limit screen time before bed. If sleep disturbances continue, it might be helpful to consult with your child's BCBA to determine if there are any behavior interventions that can help with sleep hygiene or relaxation techniques.