Regression in Autistic Children During the Summer

For many children with an autism spectrum disorder, summer break is not an easy time. Instead of the lazy days of summer bringing opportunities to relax and unwind, autistic children find it difficult to find comforting ways to spend their time. The lack of structure and changes in routine that summertime brings can cause regression, which may manifest as emotional stress and behavioral outbursts in autistic children who are already experiencing communication difficulties.

  1. Regression Defined

    • The website of the University of California at San Diego Autism Center of Excellence explains that the characteristics of autism include impaired social and communication skills and repetitive behaviors. Because the autistic brain does not develop and function in the same manner as children without autism, learning and processing requires special accommodations in the general classroom. Information retention is difficult for autistic children, which is where regression comes in. The typical summer break lasts approximately 12 weeks, and without continuous reinforcement, learned skills taught over a lengthy school year can be lost.

    Extended School Year Services

    • According to the Autism Society website, extended school year programs help autistic students retain what they learned during the school year. Some services also help to prepare autistic students for the upcoming school year. If you have an autistic child who attends public school, submit a written appeal for extended school year services several months prior to summer break. Autistic children with an individualized education program, mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, may qualify for ESY through their school district if the special education team deems it necessary.

    Summer Camps

    • Parents of autistic children who do not qualify for ESY services through their school district may want to contact the Department of Children and Family Services in their county for a summer camp specifically designed for the purposes of curbing summer regression. According to the Rich Center for Autism website, these summer programs provide individual goal setting in a modified school setting. Reinforcement of prior learning along with behavioral, social and communication skills are the focus of these programs.

    Summer Planning

    • Smooth transitioning into a new summer schedule takes strategic planning for the families of autistic children. This is especially true for autistic children who do not qualify for summer education programs. In order to ensure that an autistic child retains what she learns during the school year, communication between parents and teachers is essential. Together, they can devise a maintenance plan that allows the child access to material she learned throughout the school year as well as summer work that focuses on already acquired skills. The Florida Autism Center website also recommends creating a daily schedule of activities and planned outings that provide structure and continued development of social skills.

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