Questions to Ask Your Therapy Team Before Summer Begins: Maintaining Progress Through Routine Changes

Summer brings a welcome shift in pace—longer days, vacations, camps, and looser schedules. For many families of young children receiving therapy services, especially those in ABA, speech, or occupational therapy, this transition can also bring uncertainty. Changes in routine can impact progress, behavior, and consistency in skill-building.

The good news: a proactive conversation with your therapy team can make a big difference. By planning ahead, you can help your child maintain progress while still enjoying the flexibility and fun that summer offers.

Here are key questions to ask your therapy team before summer begins.

1. How will summer schedule changes affect my child’s therapy goals?

Summer often means reduced hours, inconsistent attendance, or changes in environment. Ask your team:

• Which goals are most important to prioritize over the summer?
• Are there skills that should be maintained rather than newly introduced?
• What progress might naturally slow down during this season?

This helps you and your providers align expectations and focus on what matters most right now—maintenance, consistency, and real-world application.

2. What routines should we try to keep consistent at home?

Children with autism often thrive with predictability. Even if your daily schedule shifts, consistency in a few key areas can help anchor the day.

Ask your therapy team:

• Which routines support regulation and learning the most?
• What parts of our current routine should we protect?
• How can we adapt bedtime, mealtime, or morning routines for summer?

Small consistencies, like a predictable morning sequence or bedtime routine, can help reduce dysregulation during more flexible days.

3. How can we support skill maintenance during breaks or travel?

Breaks in services don’t have to mean skill regression. Your team can help you build a light, manageable plan.

Ask:

• What are 3–5 key skills we can practice casually at home?
• Are there simple activities we can use during travel or outings?
• How often should we practice to maintain progress without stress?

The goal is not to replicate therapy sessions, but to embed learning into everyday summer moments—like snack time, car rides, or outdoor play.

4. What strategies can we use to prevent regression in communication and behavior?

Transitions can sometimes lead to increased behaviors or reduced communication as routines shift. Your team can help you prepare.

Ask:

• What warning signs should we look for if my child is struggling?
• Which communication tools (AAC, visuals, gestures) should we prioritize?
• How should we respond if behaviors increase during the transition?

Having a shared plan reduces stress for both caregivers and children when challenges arise.

5. How can we support sensory regulation during less structured days?

Summer often brings more stimulation—travel, crowds, noise, and changes in environment.

Ask your therapy team:

• What sensory strategies work best for my child during outings?
• Should we adjust sensory input based on summer activities?
• What calming tools should we always have on hand?

Common supports may include headphones, weighted items, movement breaks, or planned quiet time during the day.

6. What should communication look like between our family and the therapy team over the summer?

Consistency doesn’t just happen in sessions—it also comes from communication.

Ask:

• How often should we check in during the summer?
• What is the best way to share updates or concerns?
• Are there quick adjustments we can make if something isn’t working?

Even brief, consistent communication can help prevent small challenges from becoming larger setbacks.

7. What does “success” look like for my child this summer?

This may be the most important question of all.

Success in summer often looks different than during the school year or structured therapy blocks. It may mean:

• Maintaining current skills rather than advancing new ones
• Increased tolerance for flexible routines
• More joyful, shared engagement with family
• Fewer stress-related behaviors during transitions

Ask your team to help define realistic, meaningful goals for this season so expectations stay grounded and supportive.

Final Thoughts

Summer doesn’t have to mean losing progress—it simply means shifting how progress is supported. With the right questions and a clear plan, families and therapy teams can work together to create a season that balances growth, flexibility, and joy.

You don’t need a perfect summer schedule. You just need a thoughtful one that fits your child, your family, and your real life.

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