Understanding Summer Regression in Autistic and Neurodivergent Children

Summer break is often painted as a season of fun, freedom, and rest—but for caregivers of autistic and neurodivergent children, it can also feel like walking a tightrope without a net. One of the most pressing concerns during this time is "summer regression"—a decline in skills, routines, and behaviors that were previously stable during the school year. But while regression is real, it is also something that can be anticipated, understood, and even minimized.

What is Summer Regression?

Summer regression refers to the loss or reduction of previously acquired skills or routines during long breaks from structured environments like school. It can show up in many areas, such as academics, emotional regulation, communication, social interaction, sleep, toileting, or behavior. This regression is not a sign of failure on the part of the child or caregiver—it’s often a natural response to the sudden shift in routine, structure, and support.

Children with autism or other developmental disabilities often thrive on predictability. When the structure of the school day is suddenly removed, it can create anxiety, confusion, and dysregulation. Even children who struggle in school may still benefit from its predictability, sensory supports, therapies, and peer models. When those disappear overnight, the result can be overwhelming.

Why It Happens

  1. Loss of Routine: Without the clear structure of school days, transitions between activities may become harder. Downtime can become dysregulating, and lack of predictability can cause stress.

  2. Reduced Services: Many children lose access to speech therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, and behavior supports during summer unless families seek them out privately.

  3. Sensory Shifts: Seasonal changes in clothing, weather, routines, and environments can be hard to process for children with sensory sensitivities.

  4. Social Disconnect: Peer interaction may significantly decrease in summer, particularly if camps and programs are inaccessible or unsuitable.

  5. Caregiver Burnout: Families may struggle to maintain the same level of support and attention during summer months due to work, financial stress, or lack of childcare.

What Regression Can Look Like

  • Increased meltdowns or aggressive behavior

  • Refusals to complete daily routines

  • Difficulty with sleep or toileting

  • Communication setbacks, like loss of words or reduced engagement

  • Academic struggles when revisiting previously mastered material

  • Withdrawal, increased anxiety, or emotional outbursts

The Reframe: Regression is Not Permanent

It’s vital for caregivers to understand that regression does not mean a child has lost their potential or progress forever. Skills can and do come back—with time, support, and reconnection to structure and strategies. In fact, summer can be a powerful time to focus on foundational skills and emotional connection without the pressure of academic achievement.

Caregivers can use this knowledge to reframe their fears. Rather than panicking about lost skills, we can focus on preserving connection, routines, and supportive environments. When children feel safe and understood, growth continues—even if it doesn’t look the same as it did in school.

Start Here: What Caregivers Can Do Now

  • Reflect on which skills or routines are most vulnerable to regression. Is it bedtime? Toileting? Emotional regulation? Communication? Make a note.

  • Observe changes early. Document small signs of dysregulation before they escalate—note changes in mood, eating, energy, and behavior.

  • Communicate with your child’s school team before summer break. Ask about transition supports, strategies, or materials you can use over the summer.

  • If your child receives therapy during the school year, see what can be continued in the summer or adapted at home.

  • Most importantly, create a plan (even a loose one) for structure and predictability.

This article is the first step in building your summer support system! Next week we’ll dive into creating predictable routines that actually work for neurodivergent children—without overwhelming the caregiver. Well, we will try our best haha!

Remember: You are not behind. You are preparing. And your child is not trying to be difficult, they are responding to change in the best way their nervous system knows how.