We are proud to share that Julie Mower, Executive Director of The Phoenix Center, was recently featured in an opinion piece published by NJ.com titled, “For thousands of N.J. students with autism, summer break isn’t rest – it’s regression.”
In this timely piece, Julie highlights an important concern for families of students with autism and multiple disabilities: the impact that an extended break from structured learning and therapeutic support can have on a child’s progress.
While summer break may be a welcome pause for many students, Julie explains that children with complex learning needs often rely on consistency, structure, and continued support to maintain important academic, communication, behavioral, and independence skills. When those supports are interrupted, students may experience skill regression and require significant time to regain what they had previously learned.
Julie also emphasizes the important role of Extended School Year (ESY) programs. At The Phoenix Center, ESY provides students with continued access to individualized instruction, therapeutic services, behavioral support, and opportunities to practice real-world skills throughout the summer.
As Julie explains, the goal is not simply to help students move ahead during the summer, but to ensure that they can maintain their progress so that September feels like a continuation of June – not a restart.
With more than 30 years of experience in the field, Julie brings an important perspective to the conversation surrounding summer services for students with disabilities. Her article serves as a reminder that the right support during the summer can make a meaningful difference in helping students maintain their progress, confidence, independence, and connection to learning.
For thousands of N.J. students with autism, summer break isn’t rest; it’s regression. Read Julie’s full opinion piece on NJ.com.
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At The Phoenix Center, we remain committed to providing the consistency, individualized support, and therapeutic services our students need to continue growing throughout the year. We are grateful for the opportunity to share Julie’s perspective and help raise awareness about why Extended School Year services matter for so many students and families.