The Dreaded Post-Holiday Regression - And How ABA Therapy Can Help

You’ve survived the holiday break, but what comes next? You’re not alone if you find that the transitionary period after a long holiday break seems difficult - and you’re not imagining it, either. It’s typical for families to notice behavioral changes after extended time off from school and therapy. You may notice difficulty with previously mastered skills, big emotions and/or a harder time dealing with transitions. While it can be discouraging to feel like your child’s progress has been set back, it’s important to understand that regression of this nature is not only common, but typically temporary.

Why Breaks Disrupt Behavior

All children, but especially those with autism, thrive on predictability. Throughout an extended break, everything changes - routines, expectations, environments, sleeping and eating schedules. Routine gives a sense of safety and structure that improves nervous system regulation, and the holidays or other big changes can throw a wrench in that. Even if the experiences are full of fun, they can still bring about changes. This regression isn’t coming out of nowhere, it’s born out of a change in consistency, increased stimulation and a reduction in practice. From an ABA therapist’s perspective, we acknowledge these changes as the child communicating that things feel different and they are trying to adjust. 

Re-Stabilizing with ABA Therapy

The most important thing to understand is that regression does not erase previous progress. The skills you’ve watched your child mastered haven’t disappeared, they are just temporarily more difficult for them to access. You already know the cause, so the question becomes what does the child need in order to restabilize? This is important because the right support can bring those skills back more quickly. 

ABA therapy works by focusing on what the child needs in the moment as they are instead of where someone might hope for them to be. After a break, ABA can help by:

• Rebuilding Routines: ABA therapists can help re-establish predictable schedules and expectations, easing back into a place of safety.

• Reinforcing Previously Learned Skills: Revising familiar goals can help rebuild confidence and consistency. 

• Supporting Emotional Regulation: ABA strategies can be used to focus on learning coping skills and child-specific functional communication to replace behaviors born out of frustration.

• Adjusting Expectations As Needed: ABA therapy plans are created with each child in mind and are always flexible. If an adjustment period is needed, goals and strategies can be adapted for the moment to help support progress and success. 

Easing back into a normal routine at home is also helpful, keeping in mind that things don’t need to be “fixed” immediately. Gradually reintroduce normal routines, be clear with expectations, celebrate small wins and stay patient - these things aren’t easy for anyone. 

Find Support with Bloom Behavioral Healthcare

If your child is struggling after a change in routine, there’s no need to navigate it all by yourself. ABA therapy with Bloom Behavioral Healthcare can help provide personalized strategies to establish routines, build confidence, build skills and move forward at a pace that works for your child. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to find out how Bloom can help your family!