Understanding Waitlists for ABA in North Carolina — and How Starrise Can Help

Getting started with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy can be both hopeful and overwhelming. One common roadblock many North Carolina families face is waiting lists. These are delays between when therapy is needed and when it actually begins. In this post, we will explore why waitlists happen, what the average wait times look like in NC, the implications of waiting, and how Starrise provides families with immediate access to therapy.

What Are ABA Therapy Waitlists?

A waitlist in this context means that after parents or caregivers contact a provider for ABA therapy services, there is a period during which the child must wait until there is availability for assessment, enrollment, or the start of sessions.

Why Do Waiting Lists Exist in North Carolina?

Based on available data and provider insights, here are the key contributing factors:

• High demand and limited provider capacity: Autism diagnoses and awareness have grown quickly. However, the number of certified professionals such as BCBAs and RBTs has not kept up, especially in rural areas.
• Geographic distribution: Urban regions like Charlotte, Raleigh, and Durham have more providers, but wait times can still be long due to high demand. Rural areas often have very few providers, which increases delays.
• Insurance and reimbursement issues: Delays can arise from insurance approvals, authorizations, and verification. Medicaid and state programs sometimes add extra time before therapy begins.
• Prioritization by need and age: Providers may prioritize children who are younger or have more urgent needs, which can push others down the list. Assessments themselves also take time to complete.

How Long Do Families in NC Wait?

There is no single answer, but here is what families commonly experience:

• Many families report waiting several months to a year or more depending on the location and provider.
• Some providers in NC advertise little or no waitlist, but these options are not always widely available.
• Wait times are generally longer in rural counties and slightly shorter in large metro areas where more providers operate.

Why Waiting Matters: Risks and Impacts

Delaying the start of ABA therapy can have real effects on children and families:

• Lost developmental opportunity: Early childhood is a critical period for skill-building. The sooner therapy begins, the stronger the outcomes in communication, socialization, and behavior.
• Increased caregiver stress: Waiting without clarity adds anxiety and uncertainty for families.
• Escalation of challenges: Behavioral concerns may intensify without timely support.
• Inequity of access: Families in underserved communities often face the longest waits.

What Families Can Do While Waiting

If your child is on a waitlist, here are practical steps you can take:

• Seek evaluations quickly: Secure a diagnostic assessment and developmental screening as early as possible.
• Contact multiple providers: Explore options with several ABA providers to compare wait times and insurance acceptance.
• Look for interim services: Speech therapy, occupational therapy, and social skills groups can provide support while waiting.
• Prepare your home environment: Establish routines, introduce visual supports, and practice simple strategies that align with ABA principles.
• Stay proactive: Join local parent networks and autism support groups in NC to share resources and learn about openings.

How Starrise Makes ABA Therapy Accessible Without the Wait

At Starrise, we know that time is critical for a child’s growth. That is why we operate with a No Waitlist Promise. Families can begin ABA therapy services immediately without months of uncertainty or delay. Here is how Starrise makes a difference:

No Waitlist Promise

Every child can start therapy right away after intake. We do not believe in putting development on hold.

Individualized Care Plans

Each child receives a customized ABA program tailored to their strengths, challenges, and learning style.

Experienced Team

Our certified ABA professionals bring years of experience and a proven track record of helping children make meaningful progress.

Family-Focused Support

We provide caregiver coaching and tools so parents feel confident extending progress at home.

In-Home ABA Therapy

We deliver therapy directly in the child’s home environment, which creates comfort, consistency, and stronger outcomes.

At Starrise, your child’s growth does not wait. With evidence-based strategies, immediate access to care, and a compassionate approach, families in North Carolina can count on us for timely and effective ABA therapy.

Waitlists for ABA therapy are a reality for many families in North Carolina. They can delay critical early intervention and increase stress for caregivers. Starrise changes this reality with its No Waitlist Promise, ensuring children can begin therapy immediately. By choosing Starrise, families gain immediate access to individualized care, expert therapists, and family-centered support designed to create lasting progress.