5 Guidelines for Preventing Summer Regression in Students with Autism and Other Neurodivergent Learners

Summer break is right around the corner! After 175 odd days of learning, growing, and interacting with peers, students are released into the wild. No matter what progress students have made during the school year, they are all susceptible to regression over summer break, because if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it.

Neurodivergent students, including those with autism, are especially vulnerable to summer regression. The “Summer Slide” relates primarily to academic knowledge loss over the long break. However, students with autism are at risk of losing knowledge and skills in areas other than academics, such as social or behavioral.

One of the main challenges summer break presents to neurodivergent students is a radical break from routine and structure. Students with autism flourish when there is consistency and order. Summer removes much of this, taking these students out of their comfort zone. This can lead to anxiety and acting out.

However, there are strategies that can be employed to buffer students from the disruptive effects of summer break and reduce regression in several areas.

#1: Maintain Consistent Routines

Students just spent the last nine months learning and growing in a safe and structured environment. When summer break starts, maintain the same schedule and routines the student had during the school year as much as possible. Keep consistent bedtimes and morning routines. Maintain a visual schedule if that has proved effective in the past. With all of this, consistency is key.

#2: Minimize Unstructured Downtime

During the school year, students engaged in meaningful activities, both academic and social, for 7-8 hours a day. While it is not reasonable to expect the school environment to be emulated throughout the summer, and breaks from school are essential to avoid burnout, excessive unstructured downtime can lead to bad habits and behavioral challenges.

To this end, consider enrolling students in as many summer camps and programs as appropriate. There are camps and programs to match a multitude of interests and learning styles. One parent with whom I work has her son enrolled in four different week-long camps.

If you can’t find the right camps or programs for your student, or missed the enrollment deadline, not to worry. There are plenty of options for activities you can plan to reduce downtime. Anything that involves getting outdoors or into the community, from hiking to going to a museum, can be a valuable experience for the student.

#3: Manage Social and Behavioral Expectations

As mentioned before, academics aren’t the only areas neurodivergent students are at risk of regressing in. Much of the gains students made socially and behaviorally may diminish over the summer if not consistently practiced.

Neurodivergent students often experience challenges when it comes to social interaction and making friends. Seeking out opportunities for students to interact socially with peers over the summer is essential. There are several options, from social skills camps to community groups, that can help in this area.

Additionally, behavior expectations should be upheld throughout the summer. If students experience challenges in this area, consider maintaining a behavior contract with them. Identify one or two key behavior challenges and implement a tracking and reward system for demonstrating the appropriate behaviors.

#4: Maximize Educational Opportunities

Whether or not students qualified for Extended School Year (ESY) or have IEP goals, academic skills should be practiced consistently throughout the summer. If they have IEP goals, these goals should be directly addressed on a continual basis. You can gear activities and outings that support these goals.

Private tutors (like Rapport) are available to provide students with 1-on-1 support that specifically addresses their interests and needs. If you have any questions in this area or are interested in learning more, please contact me!

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#5: Make it Fun!

It is, after all, summer! No matter what area is being addressed, gear activities and learning experiences toward the student’s strengths, interests, and preferences. This will help keep them engaged and open to growth. Make activities meaningful. There are opportunities for learning in everything we do.

Using these guidelines, you can stop the slide and make sure students are safe at home (or third base, according to this picture).