Summer Therapy: Why Continuing Services Over Break Matters

The Summer Slide Isn't Just Academic

You've probably heard of the "summer slide" in reading and math. But did you know the same regression can happen with speech, motor skills, and behavioral progress?

When children take a break from therapy over the summer, research shows they can lose weeks or even months of progress. Skills that aren't practiced regularly — especially emerging ones — can fade quickly.

Why Summer Is Actually Ideal for Therapy

Here's what most parents don't realize: summer can be the most productive time for therapy.

No school schedule conflicts

• More flexibility for appointment times
• Less rushing between activities
• Children arrive rested and ready

More opportunities to generalize skills

• Community outings (parks, stores, restaurants)
• Playdates and social practice
• Real-world application of therapy goals

Less overall stress

• Without homework and school demands, children have more energy for therapy
• Parents have more bandwidth to practice strategies at home

Discipline-Specific Summer Considerations

Speech Therapy

• Language skills need consistent practice to stick
• Summer provides natural contexts for vocabulary building (pool, beach, camping)
• Social communication practice is easier with unstructured play time

Occupational Therapy

• Sensory regulation often gets disrupted with schedule changes
• Summer activities (swimming, playground) naturally build OT goals
• Handwriting and fine motor skills benefit from continued practice before the next school year

Physical Therapy

• Active summer play reinforces gross motor goals
• Balance, coordination, and strength gains need maintenance
• Great time to practice bike riding, swimming, and playground skills

ABA Therapy

• Behavioral strategies need to transfer across settings
• Summer camp, vacations, and new experiences are perfect practice opportunities
• Consistent routines help children navigate schedule changes

Tips for a Successful Therapy Summer

1. Keep a consistent schedule — even if it's reduced
2. Build therapy goals into summer activities — ask your therapist for ideas
3. Use the extra time — longer sessions or increased frequency can accelerate progress
4. Communicate with your therapist about summer plans, vacations, and schedule changes
5. Have fun! Summer therapy should feel lighter and more play-based

What About Summer Camps?

If your child is attending summer camp, let us know! We can:

• Provide strategies for camp counselors
• Schedule therapy around camp hours
• Use camp experiences as therapy material

Don't Lose Momentum

The progress your child has made this school year is valuable. A summer break from therapy doesn't just pause progress — it can set it back.

Even a reduced schedule (every other week instead of weekly) is better than stopping entirely.

📋 Schedule summer sessions now | 📞 (719) 598-5555

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WellCare & Nurture provides year-round pediatric therapy services in Colorado Springs. Summer hours available.