Yes, you can pause ABA therapy, but it’s important to do so thoughtfully. Families may need a break due to illness, travel, transitions, or burnout. While short pauses are sometimes necessary, extended breaks can disrupt progress and lead to skill regression, especially in early or intensive phases of therapy.
Before pausing, talk to your child’s BCBA. They can help create a plan to maintain key skills at home or ease back into therapy later. A break doesn’t mean failure—it just needs to be managed carefully to protect your child’s development.
Consistency is a major factor in ABA success, so any pause should be brief and well-supported.
At True Progress Therapy, we work closely with families to navigate therapy breaks while minimizing setbacks and preserving progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will my child lose skills during a break?
Possibly. Consistent therapy is key to maintaining and building skills.
2. Can I pause ABA therapy for travel?
Yes, but plan with your therapy team for continuity.
3. How long can I pause without losing my spot?
This depends on provider policy—always check in advance.
Sources:
- https://www.bacb.com/bcba/
- https://www.autismspeaks.org/applied-behavior-analysis
