Waiting for professional services such as speech therapy, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, or occupational therapy can be a long and challenging process for families. For parents of autistic children, this wait can feel overwhelming, especially when you want to do everything possible to help your child grow and thrive. While you may not yet have access to the specialists your child needs, there are many meaningful ways you can support their development at home and within your community during this period.
The time spent waiting for services is not wasted time. In fact, it can be an opportunity for parents to actively participate in their child’s learning and emotional wellbeing. By creating a supportive and engaging environment, you can help your child strengthen important skills and build confidence. Even simple daily activities, when done with intention, can make a big difference.
Focusing on Communication and Interaction
One of the most important ways to support your autistic child during service wait times is by encouraging communication and connection. This does not always mean formal lessons—it can be as simple as talking, listening, and playing together. Reading books aloud, for example, not only expands vocabulary but also encourages your child to ask questions and share thoughts. Choose stories that match your child’s interests to keep them engaged.
Interactive games are another great way to build communication skills. Games that involve turn-taking, such as board games or simple card games, help children practice patience, listening, and cooperation. Imaginative play—acting out scenarios with toys, puppets, or costumes—can also improve social understanding and encourage creativity. By joining in on these activities, you can model positive interactions and provide gentle guidance.
Creating Social Opportunities in a Safe Space
Social skills are often best learned in real-life situations, but for autistic children, these situations can be overwhelming. While waiting for formal social skills training, you can create safe and structured environments where your child can practice interacting with others.
One idea is to join or form a small social skills group with other families in your community. These gatherings can be informal yet purposeful, focusing on activities that promote teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Role-playing everyday situations—such as ordering food at a restaurant or asking a friend to play—can help children prepare for real-world interactions.
Local community centers, libraries, or autism support organizations often host workshops or activity groups designed for children with different needs. Attending these events can not only benefit your child but also connect you with other parents who understand your experiences. Having a strong support network is invaluable, as it allows you to share ideas, resources, and encouragement.
Supporting Speech and Language Development at Home
If your child is waiting for speech therapy, there are many things you can do to support their communication skills in the meantime. Visual aids, such as picture cards, charts, or storyboards, can help your child express their thoughts and feelings. These tools give children a way to communicate even when words are difficult, reducing frustration and helping them feel understood.
Music is another powerful tool for language development. Singing songs together can introduce new vocabulary, teach sentence structure, and encourage verbal expression in a fun and relaxed way. You don’t need to be a great singer—enthusiasm matters more than skill. Simple rhymes and repetitive songs are especially helpful for reinforcing language patterns.
In addition, narrating your daily routines can provide a natural and consistent source of language input. For example, while cooking together, you can name the ingredients, describe what you’re doing, and encourage your child to join in with simple words or phrases.
Managing Behavior and Building Routines
While waiting for ABA therapy or other behavioral supports, parents can establish routines and strategies at home that encourage positive behavior. Consistency is key—predictable routines help children feel secure and understand what is expected of them.
A visual schedule can be a valuable tool. By displaying the day’s activities in pictures or symbols, you give your child a clear roadmap for the day. This reduces anxiety around transitions and helps them prepare for changes in advance.
Positive reinforcement is another effective approach. Acknowledge and reward desired behaviors with praise, small treats, or extra playtime. Keep rewards immediate and connected to the behavior so your child understands the link between their actions and the outcome.
When behavioral challenges arise, try to remain calm and patient. Look for the triggers that may have caused the behavior and see if adjustments can be made to reduce frustration. Sometimes, giving your child a quiet space to calm down can prevent situations from escalating.
Involving Interests in Learning
Every child has unique passions, and for autistic children, these interests can be a powerful motivator for learning. Whether your child loves trains, animals, art, or technology, you can use these topics to encourage engagement in different skill areas.
For example, if your child loves animals, you might read animal-themed books, visit the zoo, or create art projects featuring their favorite creatures. If they enjoy building with blocks, you can incorporate math concepts like counting or sorting into playtime. By connecting learning activities to your child’s interests, you make the experience more enjoyable and meaningful for them.
Connecting with Support Networks
You do not have to face service wait times alone. Reaching out to other parents, teachers, and local autism organizations can provide both practical advice and emotional support. Parents who have been through similar situations often have creative ideas for home activities, recommendations for resources, and insights into navigating the service system.
Online communities can also be a valuable source of connection, especially if local resources are limited. Support groups, forums, and social media communities dedicated to autism parenting can offer guidance and encouragement at any time of day.
Making the Most of the Waiting Period
Although waiting for professional services can be difficult, it’s important to remember that your involvement and support during this time matter greatly. You know your child best, and your daily efforts can make a lasting impact on their development and confidence. By focusing on communication, creating social opportunities, supporting language development, managing behavior, and incorporating your child’s interests into activities, you are building a strong foundation for future growth.
While specialists play an important role, parents are often the most consistent and influential people in a child’s life. Every small step you take—whether it’s reading a story together, playing a game, or practicing a new skill—helps your child move forward. With patience, creativity, and love, you can turn service wait times into a valuable period of connection and progress.