Steps To Progress

06/19/2026

Research suggests that children can lose up to 20–30% of learned skills during extended school breaks without consistent practice. For children with autism, maintaining routines and reinforcing skills throughout the summer can help support continued progress.

These are a few simple ways families can help prevent regression:

✅ Maintain a consistent daily routine
✅ Practice communication skills during everyday activities
✅ Encourage social interactions with peers and family
✅ Incorporate learning into play and community outings
✅ Continue working on independence and self-help skills
✅ Reinforce goals learned through ABA therapy

Remember that the goal isn't to fill every day with structured activities but to keep important skills active!

06/16/2026

With the right supports in place, travel can become a positive opportunity for learning, confidence-building, and making family memories. These are a few things worth considering before your next family adventure:

✈️ Creating a visual schedule of the trip
🧸 Packing familiar comfort items
🗣️ Practicing travel-related skills ahead of time
🎧 Planning for sensory breaks
💙 Building flexibility into your itinerary

If you'd like some more practical tips for making summer travel easier and more enjoyable, we go a little more in depth on that in our latest blog: https://www.stepstoprogress.com/blog/aba-therapy/preparing-for-summer-travel-with-aba-therapy/

Learn how to prepare for summer vacations and travel with ABA therapy. Discover tips for routines, transitions, sensory needs, and stress-free family travel.

06/12/2026

A predictable routine can make for a more comfortable and stable environment while helping children navigate everyday activities. However, instead of focusing on a strict schedule, consider a more flexible mindset. For example, your child may know that breakfast comes before getting dressed or that outdoor play happens after lunch, even if the exact timing varies from day to day.

Many of the skills reinforced through ABA therapy help children develop flexibility, cope with changes, and more confidently move through new situations. A routine doesn't have to be perfect, it just needs to provide enough consistency for your child to feel supported while learning that it's okay when things don't always go exactly as planned!

06/10/2026

Living in Houston, Texas, means we're no strangers to hot temperatures, high humidity, and long summers. For children with autism who experience sensory sensitivities, factors such as bright sunlight, high temperatures, crowded outdoor spaces, and certain clothing fabrics can sometimes make summer activities more challenging.

One helpful tip is to create a "cool-down plan" before heading outdoors. This might include bringing noise-canceling headphones, a cooling towel, a favorite comfort item, and identifying a quiet, air-conditioned space where your child can take a sensory break if needed.

Many of the skills practiced through ABA therapy can help children communicate their needs, develop coping strategies, and navigate new experiences with greater confidence!

06/05/2026

For parents navigating intensive ABA programs, burnout can happen when appointments, progress tracking, school responsibilities, and daily life all compete for attention. While supporting your child is important, so is caring for yourself.

A few ways to help prevent parent burnout:
✔ Set realistic expectations for progress
✔ Celebrate small wins along the way
✔ Take breaks when needed
✔ Lean on your support system
✔ Communicate openly with your ABA team

Remember: You don't have to do everything perfectly to make a difference. When parents prioritize their own well-being, they're better equipped to support their child. Taking care of yourself isn't selfish, it's an integral part of the journey.

06/03/2026

Many parents notice little things that seem different about their child's development but aren't always sure what those signs mean or where to begin. If you've ever wondered whether your child's communication, social interactions, or behaviors are developing as expected, an autism evaluation can provide valuable answers and guidance.

An evaluation is designed to better understand your child's unique strengths, challenges, and developmental needs. It typically includes observations, developmental assessments, parent interviews, and input from qualified professionals who can help determine the best path forward.

The most important thing to remember? You don't have to navigate the process alone. Early answers can lead to early support, helping children build the skills they need to live comfortable independent lives.

You don't have to have all the answers right away. Taking that first step and asking questions can make a great difference. If you're unsure where to start, your child's pediatrician can guide you through the evaluation process and help connect you with the right resources. Early identification and support can make a significant impact on your child's growth and development.

05/29/2026

On teaching friendship skills through ABA therapy...

Friendships are an important part of a child's social and emotional development, but for some children, building and maintaining friendships can be challenging. ABA therapy helps children develop social skills that support various peer relationships.

Through structured teaching, role-playing, and real-life practice, children can learn how to:
✅ Start and maintain conversations
✅ Take turns and share
✅ Recognize social cues and emotions
✅ Join group activities appropriately
✅ Build confidence in social settings

By breaking complex social interactions into manageable steps, ABA therapy helps children develop the tools they need to form positive connections and experience the joy of friendship.

Every child deserves the opportunity to build relationships and feel connected to those around them. 💙

05/27/2026

FAQ: Should children continue ABA therapy during the summer?

For many families, summer creates new opportunities for learning outside the classroom. Changes in routine, community outings, camps, travel, and family activities can all provide opportunities to practice communication, social interactions, independence, and everyday life skills in real-world settings.

Because of this, ABA therapy is often continued year-round to help maintain routine and support ongoing progress during seasonal transitions.

Families searching for ABA therapy in Houston often find that summer can be a valuable time to reinforce skills while continuing structured support in natural everyday environments!

05/22/2026

We know there are a lot of opportunities for families to engage in fun and exciting activities during the summer, but we also know that it can also bring exhaustion, overstimulation, and burnout.

Without school routines, parents often take on the role of full-time scheduler, therapist, caregiver, and emotional support system all at once. The pressure to keep children engaged while managing sensory needs, transitions, travel, and daily routines can quickly become overwhelming. Preventing summer burnout for parents of children with autism often starts with slowing down, simplifying routines, and giving yourself grace during busy seasons.

A few reminders for this summer:
☀️ It’s okay to simplify your schedule
☀️ Rest is productive too
☀️ You do not have to attend every event
☀️ Predictable routines can reduce stress for the whole family
☀️ Taking care of yourself matters just as much

Small adjustments, quiet moments, and realistic expectations can make summer more manageable for both parents and children.

05/20/2026

Water activities are exciting, but safety always comes first! And for children with autism and sensory sensitivities, these ideas may help for a safer and more fun summer experience.

Here are a few simple water safety tips for summer:
🏊 Maintain constant, close supervision near any water
🛟 Practice water safety skills and routines consistently
🧩 Use visual schedules and social stories before outings
💙 Introduce pools and splash pads slowly to reduce sensory overwhelm
👕 Dress children in bright-colored swimwear for easier visibility
📱 Consider ID bracelets or emergency contact information during outings
🗣️ Practice simple safety phrases like “stop,” “wait,” and “come here”

At Steps to Progress ABA Therapy, we believe confidence and safety go hand in hand while creating positive summer memories!

Stay safe and enjoy the sunshine!