ABA Waitlists: The Do’s and Don’ts

Waitlists

Whether you are new to ABA or a veteran, it doesn’t take long to realize that waitlists are a common occurrence in ABA. Just a few minutes of calling within your local community can reveal a list of awesome ABA companies who are “full” or working through a “waitlist.” What’s the deal?

We all know that ABA has the potential to create huge gains in communication and behavior for children with autism, so why do we have to wait?

Waitlists happen for one main reason- supply and demand. Autism currently affects 1 in 44 children. Each Behavior Certified Behavior Analysts (the supervisor for your child’s team- see our previous blog on Key Players on your Child’s ABA Team) is recommended to have up to 12 clients on their caseload. With over 118,000 children with the diagnosis of autism in Texas and only 5,665 certified Behavior Analyst there is a shortage of about 4,000 Behavior Analysts.

Even with increasing insurance regulations requiring ABA to be covered and new ABA companies popping up every day there is still not enough providers to meet the need. This shortage leaves many parents with the reality that a waitlist may be in their future to receive the services they need for their child.

At The Helm we speak with a lot of families each day who are just looking to support their child and start their journey with autism. It can feel hopeless to call provider after provider just to hear that there is a waitlist for 2 months up to 1 year. So what can a parent do to help the process along and advocate for their child’s needs?

Here are biggest do’s and don’ts when navigating the ABA waitlist!

Do’s of Waitlists

  • Get on more than one list!
  • Be open with your prospective providers. Let us know what you are hoping to get from therapy!
  • Check your place on the waitlist often- you are not bothering us! This lets us know you are invested!
  • Respond promptly to emails and phone calls from potential providers when your name is close to the top of the list.
  • Take tours and interview multiple providers to make sure the provider is the right fit for YOUR family.
  • Be flexible with your schedule when getting started. Your ideal schedule may be possible after a few weeks.
  • Notify providers if you chose to go with another provider. We are happy you are getting therapy!

Don’t of Waitlists

  • Don’t schedule an evaluation at more than one place-this isn’t the best use of resources.
  • Don’t pay for an evaluation if the provider cannot immediately start services. Evaluations should never be required in exchange for a spot on the waitlist.
  • Don’t forget to fill out all the intake paperwork to save your spot- even if you’re not sure.
  • Don’t be afraid to decline your spot when your name gets to the top of the waitlist if you don’t have a great gut feeling.

Still have questions? Call us today and let’s talk about your child’s needs and how The Helm ABA can help guide you to calmer waters.

We have been a family blessed with the help of the team at The Helm. Our son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder when he was 2.5 and The Helm was one of the places recommended by our developmental psychologist. I am a physician and still found it hard navigating this new medical problem and knowing what to do next. I called many places and from step one Lee Ann was the most helpful explaining the process with paperwork, assessment, available services, insurance, etc. we were able to start therapy quite soon after diagnosis and had sessions at home daily for 3 hours. The quality of staff, the system they have in place for the therapists, the coordination by the BCBA supervising therapist and early response put us at ease that we were on the right path. Ultimately the steady positive changes we saw with our son overcame any fears we had about autism holding our son back for the rest of his life.

We used many forms of intervention that we felt were individually tailored for our family – for potty training, anger management, dietary intervention and even let them know when we could not maintain something suggested in family training, and they would just take our request and implement another plan. Our son has now graduated/transitioned out of therapy and is currently in pre-K in a regular classroom with him on par with his class in academics, has friends and no behavior issues. Most important of all we have a happy son who loves to play with his big sister.

I know that I will always read all there is on autism and watch my son for any features. But I hope my review adds to positive aspects that I wish someone would have told me when I started the journey – start early, don’t put off your suspicions, get your child evaluated now! The label does not hinder,  in fact it falls to the side once you have the diagnosis to facilitate therapy. ABA intervention, especially done with the right people, makes a big difference. It does not pressure or upset the child at all, and you are not stuck in therapy for life! I know if any behavioral issues come up in the future I have The Helm, and they will help us and the outcome is going to be positive. Said with heartfelt thanks.

– Former Helm ABA Family

Unlock this guide and take control of your ABA jouney!

* indicates required