Avoiding Regression Over Winter Break for Kids With Special Needs

How to Keep Skills Strong While Still Letting Kids Rest

Winter break is supposed to be a time to recharge — a chance for kids to relax, enjoy family, and take a break from the busy school routine. But for many families of children with disabilities, long breaks can also bring a very real worry: regression.

Regression doesn’t mean a child is “losing” abilities. More often, it reflects the loss of structure, routines, and consistent practice that school naturally provides. The good news? With a little planning and a lot of flexibility, it’s absolutely possible to protect progress without turning your home into a classroom.

Here are simple, realistic ways to help your child maintain the skills they’ve worked so hard to build — while still keeping winter break joyful and low-stress.

1. Keep Essential Routines (But Loosen the Reins)

Children thrive on predictability — especially those with ADHD, autism, anxiety, or executive-function challenges. Over break, routines will naturally shift, but keeping a few anchors can make a huge difference:

• Consistent wake-up and bedtime windows

• A familiar morning routine (breakfast → movement → “start our day”)

• Visual schedules for days with multiple transitions

• Predictable times for quiet play or independent rest

Think of routines as the skeleton, and winter break fun as the muscle you get to build around it.

2. Brain-Friendly Learning in Small Doses

No child needs full worksheets or academic packets over break — but they do benefit from light, meaningful practice woven into daily activities.

Reading:

• Set a 10-minute family “cozy reading block.”

• Listen to audiobooks on car rides or during downtime.

• Practice retelling stories after a movie or holiday book.

Math:

• Bake together (fractions! sequencing! measuring!).

• Have kids help with budgeting for a grocery trip or holiday meal.

• Play board games that include counting, strategy, or number sense.

Writing:

• Keep a winter break journal (pictures count!).

• Write a letter to family or a thank-you note.

• Help plan a menu or itinerary for a day out.

Short, enjoyable, hands-on learning works better than formal instruction — and kids don’t even realize they're practicing.

3. Build Executive Functioning Through Play

Executive functioning skills lag for many children with disabilities, and breaks can make transitions, organization, and planning even harder. The best interventions? Play-based activities.

Try:

• LEGO challenges

• Scavenger hunts

• Following a recipe

• Sorting or categorizing games

• Puzzles or mazes

• Creating a “plan” for a family outing

These strengthen working memory, flexibility, and problem-solving — and feel nothing like schoolwork.

4. Practice Social Skills in Natural Settings

Winter break provides authentic opportunities for kids to build social and communication skills:

• Visiting family or familiar friends

• Practicing greetings at gatherings

• Taking turns during group games

• Ordering at a restaurant

• Role-playing before events that may be overwhelming

If your child struggles with sensory overload or social anxiety, preview what to expect and build in escape plans, breaks, or a quiet activity bag.

5. Protect Sensory Needs

A disrupted schedule can throw sensory regulation off balance. Support your child by:

• Keeping access to preferred sensory tools

• Scheduling movement breaks

• Using visual, auditory, or tactile calming strategies

• Allowing downtime between activities

• Maintaining feeding/sensory routines around meals

A regulated body leads to a regulated brain — and better learning.

6. Encourage Self-Advocacy in Small Moments

Winter break gives kids safe opportunities to practice using their voice:

• Choosing between two activities

• Telling you when they need a break

• Asking for help during a challenging task

• Saying “I’m overwhelmed” or “I need space”

Even tiny moments build confidence and independence.

7. Remember: Rest Is Also Productive

Avoiding regression doesn’t mean filling every moment with structured tasks. For many neurodivergent kids, rest is one of the most therapeutic forms of support.

Quiet days, free play, screen time in moderation, creative exploration — all of these are valid and beneficial.

The goal is not perfection. The goal is balance.

Final Thoughts

Winter break doesn’t have to be stressful. With thoughtful routines, playful learning, and lots of compassion, you can help your child maintain progress and enter the new year confident and prepared.

And as always — if you need personalized ideas tailored to your child’s needs, strengths, and IEP goals, Without Limits Collective is here to support your family every step of the way.