Introduction: The Waiting Is the Hardest Part
You have done everything right. You recognized the signs, sought an evaluation, received a diagnosis, and contacted ABA providers. And then you heard those words that no parent wants to hear: there is a waitlist. Depending on where you live and which providers serve your area, that waitlist could be weeks, months, or even longer.
The frustration and helplessness that come with waiting for ABA therapy are completely valid. Every week that passes feels like lost time — especially when you know how critical early intervention is for children with autism. But here is what we want you to know: waiting does not have to mean doing nothing. There is a great deal you can do right now to support your child’s development while you wait for ABA services to begin.
Step 1: Get on Multiple Waitlists Simultaneously
The first and most important thing to do is contact multiple ABA providers at the same time. Many parents make the mistake of contacting one provider, joining their waitlist, and waiting to hear back before contacting anyone else. This approach can cost months of valuable time.
Contact every ABA provider in your area simultaneously and get on all of their waitlists. When a spot opens up with any of them, you can evaluate your options at that point. In the meantime, having your name on multiple lists significantly increases your chances of being seen sooner.
At Guidepost ABA, we maintain a no-waitlist policy — meaning we work to get families into services as quickly as possible. If you have not contacted us yet, we encourage you to reach out today at 214-506-3237 or info@guidepostaba.com.
Step 2: Begin Speech and Occupational Therapy
ABA therapy is the most evidence-based treatment for autism, but it is not the only valuable intervention. While you wait for ABA services to begin, pursue speech-language therapy and occupational therapy if your child has needs in those areas.
Speech-language therapy addresses communication skills — both expressive language (what your child says or communicates) and receptive language (what your child understands). For many children with autism, communication is a central challenge, and beginning speech therapy early can make a significant difference.
Occupational therapy addresses sensory processing, fine motor skills, and daily living skills. If your child has significant sensory sensitivities or struggles with tasks like dressing, eating, or handwriting, occupational therapy can provide meaningful support while you wait for ABA.
Both of these therapies are typically covered by insurance and can often be started more quickly than ABA therapy.
Step 3: Access Early Intervention Services
If your child is under three years old, contact Texas Early Childhood Intervention immediately if you have not already done so. ECI provides developmental services for infants and toddlers with disabilities or developmental delays at no cost to families, regardless of insurance status or diagnosis.
ECI services can include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and developmental intervention — all delivered in your home or another natural setting. These services are specifically designed for the early intervention window and can be a powerful bridge while you wait for ABA services.
For children over three, contact your local school district to request a special education evaluation and explore what services may be available through the public school system.
Step 4: Pursue Parent Training
One of the most powerful things you can do while waiting for ABA therapy is to learn the foundational principles of ABA yourself. Many ABA providers — including Guidepost ABA — offer parent training either as a standalone service or as a component of their intake process.
Parent training teaches you how to use the same evidence-based strategies that ABA therapists use — positive reinforcement, prompting, shaping, and naturalistic teaching — in your everyday interactions with your child. Research consistently shows that parents who are trained in ABA principles produce significantly better outcomes for their children, even before formal therapy begins.
Look for parent training programs in your area, online courses in ABA principles for parents, or books written specifically for parents of children with autism. The knowledge you gain will serve your child for years to come.
Step 5: Build Structure and Routine at Home
As we discussed in a previous article, consistent daily routines are one of the most powerful tools available to families of children with autism. While you wait for ABA therapy, focus on building predictable, structured routines around the key anchors of your child’s day — morning, mealtimes, transitions, and bedtime.
Use visual schedules to support your child in understanding what comes next. Practice simple skills like following two-step instructions, requesting preferred items, and completing self-care tasks with minimal prompting. These are all skills that ABA therapy will target formally — and every bit of practice you embed in daily life now accelerates the progress your child will make once therapy begins.
Step 6: Connect With Other Families
The emotional burden of waiting for services while watching your child struggle is significant. Connecting with other families who are in similar situations — through local autism parent groups, online communities, or support organizations — provides both practical information and emotional sustenance.
Organizations like the Autism Society of Texas, the Arc of Texas, and local autism family networks can connect you with resources, advocacy support, and communities of parents who understand exactly what you are going through. You do not have to carry this alone.
A Note About Guidepost ABA’s No-Waitlist Commitment
At Guidepost ABA, we are acutely aware of what it costs families to wait. Every week of delay is a week of missed intervention during a critical developmental window. That is why we have made a deliberate commitment to maintaining a no-waitlist policy — working to get families into services quickly rather than placing them in a queue and asking them to wait.
If you are currently on a waitlist with another provider and have not yet contacted Guidepost ABA, we encourage you to reach out. We serve families across the DFW Metroplex and greater Texas, and we would be honored to be part of your child’s journey.
Conclusion: Action Is the Antidote to Helplessness
Waiting is hard. But taking action — even imperfect, incomplete action — is far better than doing nothing. Every step you take during the waiting period is a step toward better outcomes for your child. And when ABA therapy does begin, the foundation you have built will make everything that follows more effective.
Contact Guidepost ABA today at 214-506-3237 or info@guidepostaba.com. No waitlist. No delay. Just exceptional care for your child and your family.
