Choosing care
Stuck on an ABA waitlist in Texas?
Being covered for ABA doesn’t guarantee an open spot, and Texas waitlists can run months. Here are the concrete moves that actually shorten the wait, and what to do in the meantime.
Why ABA waitlists happen
Coverage existing doesn't mean a spot exists. Demand for ABA has grown far faster than the number of certified behavior analysts, and in Texas the shortage of BCBAs who take Medicaid is especially tight. So even a fully covered child can wait months. It's frustrating, and it's not a reflection on you or your child. Here's how to shorten the wait.
Get on several lists at once
The single most effective thing you can do: don't wait on one provider. Apply to several in your area at the same time, then take the first good fit that opens up. You can always keep your name on a preferred provider's list and switch later. Browse ABA providers near you and contact several in one sitting.
Ask the questions that jump the line
When you call each provider, ask specifically:
- "Do you have a cancellation or short-notice list?" Spots open up; be the family who's ready to say yes.
- "Do you offer telehealth or parent-training in the meantime?" Some services can start before an in-person slot opens.
- "Would a different location, or partial hours, get us started sooner?"Flexibility on setting or schedule can move you up.
- "What exactly do you need from us to be ready?" Having the diagnosis, referral, and authorization done means no delay when a spot opens.
Have your paperwork ready before a spot opens
The families who start fastest already have the diagnosis, the doctor's referral, and insurance authorization in hand. If any of those is missing, chase it now. For Medicaid families, our Texas Medicaid and ABA guide walks through exactly what's needed.
What you can do while you wait
- Start parent training. Many providers offer caregiver coaching that can begin before full therapy does, so you're making progress now.
- Line up related services. Speech and occupational therapy often have shorter waits and address overlapping goals.
- Look at the Children's Autism Program. Texas runs a grant-funded Children's Autism Program that provides ABA through community agencies, a useful route regardless of Medicaid status.
- Consider telehealth ABA if it's a fit for your child, which can widen the pool of available providers.
If it's a coverage delay, not a staffing one
Sometimes the hold-up isn't a therapist, it's an authorization stuck at your plan. If your ABA has been denied or is dragging, you can appeal, and the deadlines are short. Disability Rights Texas helps families with Medicaid appeals for free.
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Frequently asked questions
Why is there a waitlist for ABA if it’s covered?
Coverage doesn’t create capacity. Demand for ABA has grown much faster than the number of certified behavior analysts, and in Texas the shortage of BCBAs who accept Medicaid is especially acute, so even a covered child can wait months.
How can I get off an ABA waitlist faster?
Apply to several providers at once, ask each about cancellation/short-notice lists and telehealth, be flexible on location and hours, and have your diagnosis, referral, and insurance authorization ready so you can start the moment a spot opens.
What can we do while waiting for ABA?
Start parent-training/caregiver coaching if offered, line up speech and occupational therapy (often shorter waits), consider telehealth ABA, and look into Texas’s grant-funded Children’s Autism Program, which provides ABA through community agencies.
Does telehealth ABA count?
For many children telehealth ABA, especially parent-mediated models, is a legitimate option that can start sooner and widen the pool of available providers. Ask providers whether it’s appropriate for your child.
What if the delay is my insurance, not a therapist?
If ABA has been denied or authorization is stuck, you can appeal, and deadlines are short (check your denial letter). Disability Rights Texas helps families with Medicaid appeals for free.