Understanding Wait Lists
ABA agencies provide 1:1 therapists for children with Autism. Our job description and billing reflect this 1:1 service for your children. Many companies are having difficulties post Covid with staffing (getting applications, staff staying on board, qualified staff, competitive pay, etc).
Wait lists for agencies may depend on many factors, which makes it difficult for agencies to give a specific start date well in advance. Some of these factors include:
• Employees start orientation then realize this is not the career path for them and quit
• Employees move on to other professions
• Without ample, well-trained employees, an agency does not have the necessary staff to provide 1:1 services
• Often as one employee completes orientation, another employee may be moving on to another position, resulting in status quo for staffing numbers
• There may be other children ahead of your child on the wait list who will be enrolled prior to your child
All ABA agencies greatly appreciate your patience, and it is recommended you apply to several agencies. Wait lists fluctuate, depending on staffing numbers, and while one company may have a long wait list today, in a month they may have a very short wait list.
We at GBS thank you for your patience as we navigate hiring qualified staff, retention of staff, and providing your child with a one-on-one therapist. Often, we cannot give an exact start date at first, but will be better able to give a start date as we get closer.
Our goal is to provide your child with the best ABA therapy experience they can get!! But this takes time, qualified staff, and room in the centers.
Thank you!
Dr. Garner, BCBA-D, LBS
