What to Do While on the ABA Waitlist

Understanding the ABA Therapy Waitlist

When you receive a diagnosis of autism for your child, the recommended course of action often includes Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. However, due to high demand and a shortage of qualified providers, many families face a frustrating waitlist that can last weeks or even months. During this time, it is natural to feel anxious and unsure about how to best support your child's development. The good news is that there are many proactive steps you can take while waiting for an ABA slot to open up. This guide will walk you through effective strategies, resources, and tips to make the most of the wait.

🔗 Related reading: ABA Interventions for Head Banging in Autism · Local ABA Therapy

Why Are ABA Waitlists So Long?

Provider Shortages

The demand for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) far exceeds the supply. Many clinics are operating at full capacity, and the time required to train new staff can slow down openings.

Insurance Authorizations

Before a provider can begin therapy, they must obtain prior authorization from your insurance company. This process can take several weeks, as it involves documentation, assessments, and approvals. Even after approval, the provider may need to schedule an intake evaluation, adding to the wait.

Geographic and Specialized Needs

In some areas, especially rural communities, there may be only one or two ABA providers. Additionally, if your child requires highly specialized services (e.g., feeding therapy or severe behavior intervention), you may face longer waits because fewer clinicians have that expertise.

Steps to Take Immediately After Joining a Waitlist

Request an Early Intervention Evaluation

If your child is under three years old, contact your state's Early Intervention (EI) program. EI evaluations are free or low-cost and can lead to services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and developmental support. These services can begin while you wait for ABA and often complement it well.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Call the customer service number on your insurance card and ask for a list of in-network ABA providers. Ask each provider for their current wait time and whether they have any immediate availability. Also inquire about any temporary services your plan may cover, such as parent training or consultation with a BCBA.

Reach Out to Your State's Medicaid or EPSDT Program

If your child is covered by Medicaid, the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit may provide funding for services even while you wait for an ABA provider. You can request a case manager through your state's Medicaid office who can help coordinate care and possibly expedite the process.

🔗 Related reading: Is ABA Therapy for High-Functioning Autism Worth It? · Nearby ABA Therapy

Building a Support System at Home

Create a Structured Routine

Children with autism often thrive with predictable routines. While waiting for ABA, establish a daily schedule that includes set times for meals, play, learning activities, and rest. Use visual schedules or picture cards to help your child understand what comes next. This consistency can reduce anxiety and challenging behaviors.

Learn Basic ABA Techniques Through Parent Training

Many organizations offer free or low-cost parent training workshops, either online or in person. You can learn concepts like reinforcement, prompting, and data collection. Some insurance plans even cover parent training as a standalone service. Apply these techniques to everyday situations, such as teaching a new skill or encouraging positive behavior.

Use Social Stories and Visual Supports

Social stories are short, personalized narratives that explain social situations and appropriate responses. They can help your child prepare for transitions, like starting school or visiting a new place. Visual supports, such as first-then boards or choice boards, are also powerful tools that align with ABA principles.

Exploring Alternative and Interim Therapies

Speech and Language Therapy

Communication challenges often co-occur with autism. Speech therapy can address vocalizations, sign language, or use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. Starting speech therapy now can reduce frustration and give your child a functional way to express needs.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy (OT) focuses on sensory processing, fine motor skills, and daily living skills. Many children with autism benefit from OT to manage sensory sensitivities or improve self-care. Like speech therapy, OT is often covered by insurance and may have shorter waitlists than ABA.

Developmental Playgroups

Look for local playgroups or social skills groups designed for children with developmental delays. These groups, often run by nonprofit organizations or community centers, provide a low-pressure environment for practicing social interaction. They can also be a source of peer support for you as a parent.

Navigating Insurance and Funding Options

Check for Self-Directed or Consumer-Directed Services

Some states offer self-directed Medicaid waivers that allow families to hire and train their own ABA providers. This can bypass traditional clinic waitlists. Contact your state's developmental disabilities agency to see if this option is available.

Appeal a Denial or Request a Grievance

If your insurance denies coverage or delays authorization, you have the right to appeal. Many denials are overturned with a letter from your child's doctor or a detailed request from the provider. If you feel stuck, reach out to your state's insurance commissioner or a patient advocate.

Use a Free Matching Service

Trusted ABA Therapy is a free service that connects families with vetted, BCBA-led ABA providers. By filling out a short form, you can receive matches to clinics that have current availability, potentially shortening your wait. The service works with major insurance plans and Medicaid. Because we are not a provider, we do not have our own waitlist; we simply help you find one that fits your needs.

Advocacy and Communication Strategies

Stay in Regular Contact with Providers

Call the ABA clinics on your list every two to four weeks to check for cancellations or new openings. Let them know you remain interested and ask if they can put you on a cancellation list. A friendly, persistent approach can pay off.

Document Everything

Keep a log of calls, emails, and communications with insurance and providers. Note dates, names, and outcomes. If you ever need to file a complaint or request an expedited review, this documentation will be invaluable.

Connect with Local Parent Support Groups

Join Facebook groups, attend local Autism Society chapter meetings, or participate in online forums. Other parents often know about newly opening clinics, funding opportunities, or therapists who are accepting new clients. They can also offer emotional support during the wait.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls While on the Waitlist

• Don't wait passively. The worst thing you can do is nothing. Use the strategies above to keep making progress.
• Don't overlook small steps. Even 15 minutes of structured play or a single parent training session can make a difference.
• Don't assume one provider is the only option. Different clinics have different approaches and availability. Keep exploring.
• Don't neglect your own well-being. Caregiver stress is real. Seek respite care, counseling, or just time to recharge.

Looking Ahead: Preparing for the First ABA Session

Once you do get off the waitlist and secure a provider, there are a few things you can do now to prepare. Gather any recent evaluations, school reports, or medical records that the BCBA will need. Also, think about your goals for therapy: what skills would you like your child to gain? What behaviors are most challenging? Share these priorities with the provider.

Finally, remember that the waitlist does not define your child's progress. With the right combination of interim supports, parent training, and community resources, you can create a rich environment for growth. And when ABA begins, you will already have a strong foundation to build upon.

If you are still searching for an ABA provider, consider using Trusted ABA Therapy to get matched with vetted, BCBA-led clinics that have openings now. It is free and could save you months of waiting.