Making The Most of Travel Breaks: Maintaining ABA Progress During Vacations

Taking a break from everyday life to go on vacation is essential for both the mind and the soul. However, when your child is enrolled in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, the thought of skipping sessions for a week-long trip can stir feelings of anxiety. How can you ensure that your child continues to progress in their therapy while also getting the mental respite that vacations provide? 

The good news is, you can strike a balance! Here are some strategies to make the most of travel breaks and maintain ABA progress during vacations.

1. Plan Ahead

If your planned vacation interferes with your child’s ABA therapy schedule, consider these strategies to maneuver around rescheduling and postponing sessions.

Speak with the ABA therapist well in advance of your trip. They can provide valuable insights into what milestones your child should reach before going on a break and may even give you “homework” exercises to maintain progress.

2. Carry A Portable Toolkit

Your child’s ABA therapist may use specific tools or toys that help them during therapy sessions. Packing a mini “ABA toolkit” is a great way to bring a piece of therapy along with you. 

The toolkit can include favored objects, sensory toys, and laminated cards or charts. Having these familiar items at hand can maintain consistency and routine for your child.

3. Create A Vacation Routine

Although vacations are meant for relaxation and stepping away from daily schedules, maintaining a loose routine can be beneficial for children in ABA therapy. 

Create a vacation schedule that allows for free time but also includes structured activities like “play and learn” sessions or specific times for meals and sleep. This will provide a familiar structure, making it easier for your child to adjust to the new environment.

4. Utilize Technology

In today’s digital world, there are numerous apps and platforms tailored to children undergoing ABA therapy. Consult with your therapist for app recommendations that can assist in reinforcing behavioral objectives. Keep in mind that screen time should be used wisely and shouldn’t replace human interaction or outdoor activities.

5. Encourage Socialization

Vacations often provide opportunities to meet new people and explore different cultures. Use this as a chance to encourage social skills. 

Depending on your child’s comfort and ability level, socialization can be as simple as saying “hello” to a stranger or engaging in a group activity. Always remember to prioritize your child’s well-being and safety when encouraging them to socialize.

6. Keep An Open Line Of Communication

Regular check-ins with your child’s ABA therapist can provide a sense of normality for both you and your child. A quick call or email can provide assurance that you’re doing the right things or give you tips on areas for improvement. Just ensure you’re respecting the therapist’s time off, as they too need breaks!

7. Reflect And Record

A simple yet effective strategy is to keep a diary during your vacation. Encourage your child to participate in the documentation process. You can jot down any behavioral changes, activities that were especially enjoyable or challenging, and milestones reached. 

This record serves as valuable feedback for you and your ABA therapist and aids in setting future goals.

8. Be Flexible Yet Firm

On the one hand, vacations are all about new experiences and a break from routine, which means you’ll inevitably encounter situations that deviate from your child’s regular schedule. On the other hand, consistency is a cornerstone of ABA therapy, and maintaining certain aspects of the regimen is essential for continued progress.

Being flexible doesn’t mean abandoning the principles of ABA therapy; rather, it means adapting them to suit your new environment and schedule. For example, if you discover that your child finds the sound of ocean waves calming and therapeutic, you can make an effort to incorporate this into your daily routine. Maybe set aside time each morning for a beach visit where your child can enjoy the sensory experience of the waves, the sand, and the salty air, while also practicing behavioral exercises under your guidance.

In Conclusion

Vacations should be rejuvenating for everyone involved, and with the right strategies, they don’t have to be at the expense of your child’s ABA progress. Planning, adaptability, and communication are the key pillars in ensuring that you balance both vacation relaxation and ABA objectives. By incorporating these tips into your next travel plans, you’re not just going on a trip, you’re embarking on a learning journey for the whole family.

So go ahead, pack your bags and your portable ABA toolkit, and set out on your well-deserved break with the peace of mind that your child’s progress is always a part of the journey.