06/02/2026
Terminology Tuesday
Learning in Real Life: Why Skills Stick Better in Daily Routines
She does it perfectly in therapy. But at home? Nothing
This isn't failure. It's called the generalization problem — and it's one of the most important things to understand about early intervention
Skills don't automatically transfer from one context to another A child who learns to request in a therapy room has learned to request in a therapy room. For that skill to show up at the kitchen table, the playground, or grandma's house — it has to be practiced there too
The most powerful learning happens in real routines
→ Mealtime: requesting, commenting, tolerating variety
→ Bath time: directions, sequencing, vocabulary
→ Getting dressed: choices, body awareness, frustration tolerance
→ Car rides: transitions, communication, waiting
Parents aren't just supporters of therapy They're the most important teachers in the room — because the room that matters most is home.
