Preparing for Summer with ABA: Keeping Routines During School Breaks

Why Summer Can Feel Overwhelming

For many families, summer means sunshine, free time, and outdoor adventures. But for families of children on the autism spectrum, the shift away from school routines can feel stressful. Children who thrive on predictability may struggle when classroom structure disappears. Sleep schedules, meal times, and daily rhythms can easily slip, leaving families feeling like each day is a challenge.

Without a plan, these changes may lead to more meltdowns, disrupted routines, and setbacks in progress. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) offers tools that help families create a balance: keeping structure while still enjoying the flexibility and fun of summer break.

How ABA Helps Families Navigate Summer

Step 1: Creating Predictable Daily Schedules

Just because school is out doesn’t mean structure should vanish. ABA therapists work with families to create summer routines that mimic the predictability of school. For example:

• Morning routine: Wake up, breakfast, brush teeth, visual schedule review
• Activity block: Outdoor play, therapy session, or quiet learning time
• Afternoon routine: Lunch, rest, family activity, playtime
• Evening routine: Dinner, bath, story, bedtime

Predictability helps children feel safe and secure while still leaving room for seasonal activities.

Step 2: Setting Summer Goals

Summer is an ideal time to target life skills that may be harder to fit into school-year schedules. ABA goals might include:

• Toilet training
• Independent dressing
• Social play at parks or pools
• Communication practice during family outings

Therapists help families integrate these goals naturally into daily activities.

Step 3: Using Visuals and Reinforcement

Visual schedules, charts, and reward systems keep children motivated. For example, a child may earn a star each time they complete a summer routine, which can be traded for a special activity like visiting a local splash pad.

Step 4: Practicing Community Skills

Summer opens opportunities for practicing ABA strategies in community settings across St. Louis—whether waiting in line at the Saint Louis Zoo, sharing toys at a Chesterfield park, or following rules at a neighborhood pool.

Real-Life Example: A Summer of Growth

Sophia, an eight-year-old from Chesterfield, often struggled with unstructured days. When school ended, her parents noticed more meltdowns and difficulty sleeping.

Her ABA therapist worked with the family to design a summer visual schedule, including blocks for outdoor play, reading time, and visits to the park. Reinforcement charts encouraged Sophia to complete each step with pride.

By the end of summer, Sophia not only maintained her school-year progress but also learned new skills like ordering her own food at a local café and waiting patiently in lines. Her parents described the summer as “the most peaceful one we’ve had in years.”

Parent Tips for a Successful Summer with ABA

1. Stick to Bedtime Routines

Consistent sleep helps children regulate emotions and energy, even without school in session.

2. Blend Fun with Structure

Plan daily fun activities, but keep them within a predictable schedule. For example, always do outdoor play after lunch.

3. Use Summer for Skill Practice

Turn outings into learning moments—practice communication at the library, safety at the pool, or social play at parks.

4. Limit Over-Scheduling

Too many camps or activities may overwhelm children. Balance structure with downtime.

5. Celebrate Progress

Highlight achievements—whether it’s trying a new food at a barbecue or calmly waiting for fireworks—to boost confidence.

Opportunities in St. Louis for Summer ABA Practice

Families in St. Louis and Chesterfield can take advantage of local activities to reinforce skills:

• Chesterfield Central Park: Great for practicing sharing at playgrounds or joining group games.
• Saint Louis Zoo: Opportunities to practice waiting, following directions, and exploring new environments.
• The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum: Engaging group play while practicing social skills.
• Community swimming pools: Building water safety and turn-taking during free play.
• St. Louis libraries: Quiet spaces for practicing patience, transitions, and community routines.

These local experiences give families fun, meaningful chances to apply ABA skills all summer long.

Why Summer ABA Support Matters

Without structure, some children may lose progress made during the school year. ABA provides continuity, ensuring that gains in communication, social skills, and independence aren’t lost over summer.

By blending fun with consistency, children learn to adapt to change while still feeling secure. Parents also benefit—enjoying smoother days and more time to connect as a family.

Long-Term Benefits of Structured Summers

The impact of structured summers extends beyond a few months:

• Smooth transition to fall: Returning to school feels less overwhelming when routines remain consistent.
• Family confidence: Parents feel more capable and less stressed when summer flows smoothly.
• Skill generalization: Children practice using ABA strategies in varied environments, making skills stronger and more flexible.
• Joyful memories: Families enjoy summer activities without constant stress, creating positive shared experiences.

FAQ

Q1: Should therapy continue in the summer?
Yes. Continuing ABA during summer helps children maintain progress and use strategies in new environments.

Q2: How much structure should summer have?
Enough to feel predictable, but not so rigid that fun or flexibility disappears. Balance is key.

Q3: What if my child resists changes in summer routines?
ABA strategies like visual schedules and gradual transitions make changes easier.

Q4: Can ABA therapists join community outings?
Yes. Therapists often accompany families to parks, stores, or community events to practice skills in real-world settings.

Q5: Will summer routines look the same for every child?
No. Plans are customized to each child’s needs, interests, and family lifestyle.