For many children, they can’t wait for school to be out for the summer. It’s a time to celebrate, because it means fewer responsibilities, going on a vacation if you’re lucky, and freedom from schedules, tests, and homework.
For kiddos with autism and other developmental and behavioral concerns, summer creates unique challenges for them and their families. Parents might even question whether or not their child needs to continue ABA therapy in the summer months, thinking that taking a break is a good thing.
But, as you’ll learn in this article, summer offers an amazing opportunity for your child’s continued growth and development – especially if you have a toddler. With our extra special Summer Camp program, you can give your little one a summer of meeting new friends, learning new skills, and having lots of fun!
Actually, there are many benefits of enrolling your child in Summer Camp at The Behavior Exchange. Here are the top 6 benefits (in no particular order) that can have the biggest impact on your child’s development:
Benefit #1 – Children can continue making progress on their goals.
Our Summer Camp helps children capitalize on the momentum they’ve achieved during the spring semester and continue making strides towards their goals. Also, repetition and consistency are vital aspects of ABA therapy, enabling children to achieve the best outcomes and reach their full potential. When they’re on a roll, Summer Camp at The Behavior Exchange enables them to keep going!
Benefit #2 – Toddlers can make the most of their most formative years from birth to 5.
From birth to 5 years old, a child is making millions of neural connections based on every interaction with their environment. This is the period when cognitive abilities, emotional regulation, and social skills take shape.
According to the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, the process of building new connections in the brain continues throughout life. However, the connections that form early provide either a strong or weak foundation for the connections that form later.
Early intervention ABA therapy during a child’s most formative years before starting school provides the extra help a child with autism needs for creating a stronger foundation. Our Summer Camp will provide your toddler with 10-weeks of additional early intervention services that can lead to a brighter future!
Benefit #3 – Your child will be less likely to suffer regression during the summer.
Regression is when a child loses skills they’ve previously learned. Children are known to lose skills and knowledge to varying degrees during the summer break when school’s out.
This dissertation on the Institute of Education Services website says, “On the whole, both researchers and special educators have agreed that students with more severe disabilities tend to regress more than students with mild disabilities (Cornelius & Semmel, 1982; Edgar, Spence & Kenowitz, 1977; Shaw, 1982). These challenges can make extended breaks from school particularly detrimental for these children. A group of students that may be especially affected by a long break in schooling are children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).” (Emphasis is ours.)
With our Summer Camp, your child can continue practicing what they’ve learned and learn new skills in a fun setting!
Benefit #4 – Your child can make a smoother transition to the summer.
Many children with autism prefer the predictability of routines, because with routines, they always know what to expect. When school is out for the summer, children with autism need to be prepared and provided special support to make the adjustment. If not, the change in routine can cause children anxiety and even bring out unwanted behaviors.
When ABA therapy is part of their daily schedule when school is in session, Summer Camp at The Behavior Exchange can make the summer transition easier, less stressful, and more productive for your child!
Benefit #5 – Your child will be able to work on social skills with peers.
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a harder time learning the social skills that neurotypical children pick up naturally and easily. Social skills are the rules, customs, and abilities that guide our interaction with other people. From making eye contact and reading facial expressions to nurturing friendships and participating in group activities, social skills are important for greater independence, success, and happiness.
Our Summer Camp provides the ideal social environment for your child to learn how to interact with peers and build up their social skills while having fun together!
Benefit #6 – Your child will have a blast!
Our Summer Camp includes special summer-themed activities in addition to our fun, play-based ABA therapy services that have the earned the highest accreditation possible – the prestigious 3-year accreditation. We’re proud to be the first ABA therapy provider in all of North Texas to earn the achievement!
Plus, our colorful and imaginative hives are a great place to spend the summer. Take a virtual tour of our flagship hive in Frisco. It won the 2018 PaperCity Design Award for Best Commercial Design.
Our Summer Camp program is available at all three of our hives – Plano, Frisco, and Prosper. If you’re interested in enrolling your kiddo, be sure to begin the enrollment process as soon as possible. We fill up quickly and want to accommodate every child who is interested and would benefit from early intervention services.
To complete the first step of the enrollment process, go here, click the Get Started Today button, and complete our Contact Form. Our Intake Team will take it from there. See you this summer!
