By Rochelle Manor, PhD, Neuropsychologist and Co-Owner
If your child receives occupational therapy (OT) or speech-language pathology (SLP) services through their school, the summer months can present both a challenge and an opportunity. While the break from school provides a welcome pause in routine, it also risks interrupting progress on key developmental goals.
At BRAINS, we encourage families to think ahead. Summer is an ideal time to reinforce existing skills, prevent regression, and pursue new growth through outpatient therapy.
Understanding the Difference: School-Based vs. Outpatient Therapy
School-based and outpatient therapy services both play important roles, but their focus and approach differ in meaningful ways.
School-Based OT and SLP Services
School-based occupational and speech-language therapy services are designed to support a student’s success within the educational environment. These services typically focus on goals that directly impact academic participation, such as:
- Fine motor development
- Classroom behavior
- Sensory regulation
- Social interaction
Therapy is delivered during the school day, either in the classroom or in a designated therapy space, and the frequency of services is determined by the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). As part of special education support, these services are funded by the school district.
Outpatient OT and SLP Services
In contrast, outpatient OT and SLP services address a broader range of developmental goals that extend beyond the classroom. These may include:
- Daily living skills
- Communication for real-life situations
- Emotional regulation
- Building independence
Outpatient therapy is provided one-on-one in a clinical setting, offering greater flexibility and a more individualized approach. Families and providers work together to determine the appropriate frequency of sessions, which can often be more intensive than what is offered in schools. These services are typically covered by health insurance or paid privately, allowing families to access the specific support their child needs.
Why Summer Therapy Is Beneficial
Summer therapy offers several important benefits for children who receive OT or speech services during the school year. While school may be out, growth doesn’t have to pause. In fact, summer can be a valuable time to reinforce progress, address new challenges, and continue developing essential skills in a focused, supportive setting.
Preventing Regression
Many children experience a “summer slide” when structured services are paused, leading to a loss of the progress made during the school year. Outpatient therapy helps reinforce key skills and routines, reducing the risk of setbacks and helping children maintain their developmental momentum.
Maintaining Progress Toward Goals
Summer sessions provide continuity of care, allowing children to keep working on IEP goals or other individualized objectives. Continued therapy helps ensure that hard-earned gains are preserved and strengthened, setting children up for a smoother transition back to school.
Addressing Emerging Challenges
The unstructured nature of summer can sometimes reveal challenges that may not have been as apparent during the academic year, such as difficulty with self-regulation, transitions, or communication in less predictable settings. Summer therapy allows time and space to address these issues proactively.
Empowering Families
Outpatient therapy benefits the child and the entire family. Summer sessions often include caregiver coaching, which gives parents and guardians practical strategies to reinforce progress at home. This collaborative approach helps families feel more confident and equipped to support their child’s growth year-round.
Plan Ahead: Summer Scheduling Is Now Open
BRAINS offers outpatient OT and SLP services designed to complement school-based supports and meet each child’s unique needs. Our team works collaboratively with families to develop targeted plans that encourage independence, build communication skills, and foster confidence.
If you’re considering summer therapy, now is the time to connect with our team. We offer free consultations to help determine the right fit and approach for your child.
Visit brainspotential.com or call to schedule your consultation. Let’s work together to make this summer a season of continued growth and success.