Developmental regression can be a challenging experience for you and your child, involving the loss of previously mastered skills after a period of normal growth. This change can impact their ability to communicate, connect with others, and coordinate movements.
You might notice your child struggling to express themselves or interact with peers. Understanding this process is crucial as it can help you seek the right support and strategies to assist your child in regaining their skills.
Research indicates that about one-third of young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may experience some skill loss during preschool, often starting with speech and extending to nonverbal communication, social skills, and playtime. Regression can also manifest during therapy, with children facing rough patches due to changes in routine, increased demands, or stress. In some cases, regression is merely a temporary phase as their brains adapt to new learning.
The Power of Early Intervention
Timely therapeutic support is essential in enhancing your child's ability to retain and build their skills. A study published in the American Journal on Mental Retardation highlights that both clinic-directed and parent-directed intensive treatments lead to improvements across cognitive, language, adaptive, social, and academic skills.
By addressing developmental challenges early and consistently, you create a strong foundation for long-term growth and minimize the chances of setbacks down the road. Taking early action makes a big difference in your child’s development.
Harnessing Technology for Skill Retention
Today, digital platforms offer valuable opportunities for children to practice their skills at home. These interactive tools detect children's responses to tailored activities or games, rewarding them with visual incentives that keep them motivated during learning sessions.
For example, in the study titled "Serious Game for Children with Autism to Learn Vocabulary: An Experimental Evaluation," researchers explored a game designed to help children with autism expand their vocabulary. Participants, who required varying levels of support, often faced challenges in learning new words. During the game, they followed verbal instructions from a computer to select the correct names associated with pictures.
The results were promising, showing notable improvements in vocabulary retention, with participants remembering new words one and two weeks after the game sessions ended.
These platforms, particularly those powered by artificial intelligence, allow therapists to set personalized learning programs and enable parents to monitor their child's progress in real time. Regular communication between parents and therapists ensures that children receive tailored support to overcome learning difficulties.
Moreover, these tech tools help keep children on track during breaks, such as family vacations, promoting ongoing skill development and retention even when in-person sessions are missed.
References:
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.644324/full
(PDF) Literacy Loss in Kindergarten Children during COVID-19 School Closures (researchgate.net)
Loss of Acquired Skills: Regression in Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders - PMC (nih.gov)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0738059321000870
