When you’re the parent of a child facing challenges, it can be incredibly frustrating to discover that the therapy center you called has a waitlist. You might have been advised to “wait and see” until the difficulties became more noticeable, which can leave you feeling a sense of urgency to get your child the help they need.
In this article, we’ll dive into the truth behind waitlists for pediatric therapies in the Chicagoland area, covering services such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Feeding Therapy.
At Westside, we understand the frustration of waitlists, and we’re committed to getting kids the care they need as quickly as possible. A key factor in reducing wait times is our focus on retaining talented therapists, ensuring continuity and availability of care for families.
Average Wait Times for Pediatric Therapies
Figuring out the average wait times for pediatric therapies isn’t always straightforward. A big factor is your location—wait times can vary a lot depending on where you live. In more populated areas, there are often more therapy centers and professionals available, which can mean shorter waits.
Another complication is how “wait time” is defined. Does it end when your insurance approves care? After a parent screening? Once an evaluation is done? Or when therapy services actually begin? Some providers advertise “no wait times,” but they might be talking about these early steps rather than when the therapy itself starts.
This variety in interpretation can make it tough for families to know exactly what to expect.
One study found that the average wait time for ABA therapy is 5.5 months. Another study revealed that more than half of preschool-aged children with physical disabilities waited over 7 months for Physical Therapy and more than 11 months for Occupational Therapy. When it comes to Speech Therapy, wait times range on a national average from 0 to 42 months.
The reality is that waitlists exist for pediatric therapies nationwide, but there are absolutely things you can do to shorten your wait time. First, let’s explore the key factors contributing to these delays.
Why Waitlists Exist for Pediatric Therapies
Several factors contribute to waitlists for pediatric therapies:
Increase in Autism Diagnoses: With rising rates of autism diagnoses, the demand for ABA therapy has surged, outpacing the availability of therapists.
COVID-19 Delays: The pandemic caused significant disruptions to children’s lives, with many missing out on school, socialization, and early interventions. This has led to a backlog in therapy needs, as children spend more time on screens and less time developing critical skills.
Therapist Shortage: There is an overall shortage of qualified pediatric therapists across the board. Occupational therapy, in particular, is experiencing the highest shortage right now, but the issue extends to other specialties such as speech therapy and physical therapy. All of these fields are highly specialized and require advanced training.
In most cases, therapists need to obtain a Master’s degree or higher, which means the pipeline for new professionals entering these fields is limited. This level of education not only takes several years to complete but also requires significant financial investment. The demand for pediatric therapists far outweighs the supply, resulting in longer wait times for families.
Tips for Families Managing Wait Lists
One of the best ways to reduce your time on a waitlist is by offering daytime availability. Younger children who aren’t in elementary school yet tend to have more flexibility during the day, which can help them start therapy sooner. Early intervention offers therapeutic benefits, and from a scheduling perspective, it’s much easier to start therapy before the demands of full-time school set in.
If you have a school-aged child, a great way to speed up their start in therapy is by considering appointments during school hours. Try asking about early morning slots, lunchtime sessions, or times near the end of the school day. These options are often less competitive than the highly coveted after-school appointments, which tend to have the longest wait times.
It’s also important to consider the quality of care. If a provider advertises “no wait times,” why is that? Are they paying their therapists competitive wages? Do they have high staff turnover? Sometimes, it’s better to remain on a waitlist for a reputable provider rather than rushing into therapy with a subpar organization that may compromise the quality of care.
Additional Tip: Advocate for Your Child’s Needs
Don’t hesitate to advocate for your child when dealing with waitlists. Stay in regular communication with the therapy provider, as cancellations or changes in schedules may open up unexpected appointment slots. Being proactive and flexible can often help reduce the time your child spends waiting for the services they need.
Likewise, if you are currently on a waitlist and anticipate a change in your schedule, please let us know as soon as possible. For example, if your availability changes during the summer, be sure to communicate that to us.
Resources for Families on Wait Lists
If you’re waiting for your child to start therapy, it doesn’t have to feel like wasted time. We’ve compiled a list of resources to help you better understand your child’s needs and learn ways to support them. While this isn’t a comprehensive list, it’s a solid starting point to gain helpful insights. The more you know, the more you can help your child!
Autism and ABA Therapy
- Autism Speaks – Parent’s Guide to Autism
- The Autism Community in Action (TACA) – ABA & Parent Training: https://tacanow.org
- Book: The Whole Brain Child by Daniel Siegel
- Book: Turn Autism Around by Mary Barbera
- Chicago Autism Network’s Free Parent Workshop Videos
- The Autism Helper Podcast
- Turn Autism Around Podcast
- Free Webinar: Increase Talking & Decrease Problem Behaviors in School-Age Children with Autism by Mary Barbera
- Westside’s Blog – ABA Topics
- Hanen Center – “More Than Words” Program (great for nonverbal/minimally verbal children)
- AAC Support for Nonverbal Children
- Free low-tech communication boards: https://www.praacticalaac.org
Speech Therapy
- ASHA – American Speech-Language-Hearing Association – Offers parent-friendly articles on speech and language development.
- Mommy Speech Therapy – Free printable worksheets and articulation activities.
- Speech and Language Kids – Free guides, activities, and courses for parents.
- Reading Rockets – Literacy and language development activities.
- Speech & Language Apps
- Speech Blubs – Interactive speech therapy app for kids.
- Articulation Station – Helps children practice sounds.
- Toca Boca Apps – Play-based apps that encourage conversation.
- Splingo’s Language Universe – Fun language-building games.
- At-Home Strategies for Parents
- Narrate Everyday Activities – Describe what you and your child are doing throughout the day to build vocabulary.
- Expand on Their Language – If your child says “car,” respond with “Yes! A big, red car is driving fast!”
- Use Gestures & Visuals – Use hand motions, pictures, or sign language to support communication.
- Read Together – Choose books with repetition and encourage your child to name objects.
- Encourage Turn-Taking – Play games that require back-and-forth communication.
Physical Therapy
- Pathways.org (www.pathways.org)
- Provides free videos and guides on gross motor development, tummy time, and movement exercises for children of all ages.
- American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) – Pediatrics Section
- https://pediatricapta.org/
- Offers resources on child mobility and developmental milestones.
- The Inspired Treehouse (www.theinspiredtreehouse.com)
- Physical therapy-based activities, including core strength exercises and balance games.
Occupational Therapy
- American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) – www.aota.org
- Parent-friendly guides on child development, sensory processing, and self-care skills.
- Understood.org – www.understood.org
- Information on sensory processing, motor skills, and school accommodations for children with developmental delays.
- The Inspired Treehouse – www.theinspiredtreehouse.com
- Free printable OT activities for fine motor skills, sensory processing, and coordination.
- OT Toolbox – www.theottoolbox.com
- Printable worksheets and sensory-friendly activities for children with motor and sensory challenges.
- Hands On As We Grow – www.handsonaswegrow.com
- Play-based activities for improving motor skills, hand strength, and coordination.
- Harkla Sensory – www.harkla.co/blogs/special-needs
- Strategies for sensory processing, calming activities, and weighted products.
- Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) Foundation – www.spdfoundation.net
- Information on sensory needs and ways to help at home.
Counseling
- Understood.org (www.understood.org)
- Offers resources and support to help individuals with learning and thinking differences, as well as their families.
- Child Mind Institute – www.childmind.org
- Evidence-based resources on anxiety, ADHD, depression, and emotional regulation.
- The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) – www.nctsn.org
- Information on helping children cope with trauma, stress, and mental health concerns.
- American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) – www.aacap.org
- Parent-friendly guides on common childhood mental health conditions.
- Text & Call Crisis Support
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free 24/7 support.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call 988 for immediate mental health support.
