Should Your Child Take Breaks from Therapy in Early Intervention?

When your child is receiving early intervention, it can feel like every session counts. But is it ever okay to take a break from therapy? The short answer is yes — but it depends on the child.

Every child is unique, and their needs, progress and capacity for learning vary. Some children thrive with continuous support, while others benefit from short, planned breaks that give them a chance to consolidate what they've learned.

If you’re wondering whether your child should take a break, consider these two possible outcomes:

1. If your child regresses during a break: Some children may show signs of regression when therapy pauses. This could look like returning to previous behaviours, losing newly acquired skills or increased emotional dysregulation. In these cases, breaks may not be in your child’s best interest — or at least not yet. Instead, it may be worth considering continuing therapy with minor adjustments to avoid burnout (like shorter sessions or a lighter schedule) rather than a full break. If regression occurs during a trial break, it's often a sign that ongoing support is still essential to maintain progress.

2. If your child continues to progress or maintains skills: Other children may maintain or even build on their skills during a short pause. This is often an indicator that they’re integrating what they’ve learned and can manage without constant input. For these children, taking short breaks — such as 1 to 2 weeks every 3 months — can be a healthy part of their therapy journey. These breaks give families time to rest, reflect, and focus on applying skills in everyday life. They also prevent burnout for both the child and caregivers, and may even reignite motivation when therapy resumes.

Ultimately, taking breaks in early intervention isn’t about pressing pause — it’s about being responsive to your child’s needs. If you’re unsure whether a break is right for your child, talk with your therapist. They can help you assess readiness, plan a structured pause, and set up simple ways to monitor progress at home.

Therapy should be flexible and family-centred. When guided by your child’s responses, strategic breaks can be a helpful — and even powerful — part of their journey.