What to Do While Waiting for ABA Therapy: Stafford, VA Parent Tips
- Moe | Scarlet Plus
- 12 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Waiting for ABA therapy is one of the hardest parts of the journey. You have done the research and made the calls, but now you are stuck on a waitlist. If you live in Stafford, VA, you might feel alone in this gap between diagnosis and the start of services.
You do not have to just wait. There are simple, powerful steps you can take right now to help your child and prepare your family. The weeks or months before therapy starts are a great time to build routines and connect with your child.
Here is a guide to help you navigate this time with confidence while you wait for your spot at Providence Community ABA.
Start with Simple Routines at Home
Children often feel safer when they know what comes next. A predictable day reduces anxiety for everyone. You do not need a strict military schedule. Just try to keep the main events of the day in the same order.
Morning Routine Wake up, wash face, eat breakfast.
Play and Connect Set aside ten minutes for floor play where you follow their lead.
Night Routine Bath, pajamas, story, bed.
When your child knows the pattern, they may be calmer and more willing to try new things.
Focus on Communication Basics
You do not need to be a therapist to help your child communicate. Communication is more than just speaking. It includes pointing, looking, and gesturing.
Try these simple ideas during the day:
Offer Choices Hold up two items like an apple and a banana. Ask "Apple or banana" and wait. This gives your child a chance to point or look at what they want.
Label What You See Narrate your day. Say "I am opening the door" or "The water is warm" while you wash hands.
Wait and Watch Pause before you give them something they want. Give them a few seconds to make a sound or a gesture.
These small moments add up and build a foundation for the work they will do in therapy later.
Explore Stafford VA Community Resources
Getting out of the house can be good for both of you. Stafford, VA has several sensory-friendly and open spaces where you can take a break.
Local Parks Visit places like Government Island or Willowmere Park. These spots have open trails and quiet areas if the main playground gets too loud.
Porter Branch Library Check the library calendar. Many libraries in our area offer sensory story times or quiet reading corners that are welcoming to all children.
Taking a walk outside can reset a hard day. It also helps your child get used to different sights and sounds in a low-pressure way.
Prepare for the Assessment
When your spot opens up at Providence Community ABA, the first step will be an assessment. You can get ready now so the process goes smoothly.
Gather your paperwork. Have your diagnostic report and any notes from school or your pediatrician ready.
Write down a list of your child’s favorites.
What foods do they love?
What toys make them smile?
What songs calm them down?
Knowing these answers helps our team build a plan that your child will enjoy. It also helps us bond with them faster during our in-person sessions.
Learn the Signs and Track Progress
While you wait, keep an eye on small changes. The CDC has great resources for tracking milestones. You can look at their "Learn the Signs. Act Early." materials to see what skills typically come next.
Note: If you notice your child losing skills they used to have, tell your doctor or provider right away.
Writing down what you see helps you share accurate info when therapy begins.
Why Choose Providence Community ABA For ABA Therapy?
We know waiting is stressful. At Providence Community ABA, we focus on high-quality in-person therapy that meets your child where they are. We use this time to prepare so that when your child starts, we can hit the ground running.
Our team in Stafford, VA is dedicated to building a supportive community around your family. We do not just work with the child. We work with you to make sure the skills learned in our center transfer to your home.
Next Steps for Parents
You are doing a great job. The waitlist is temporary, but your support for your child is permanent.
Use this time to breathe, plan, and play. If you have questions about your spot on the list or need more local tips, reach out to us.
Would you like me to create a printable "Home Routine Checklist" or a "My Child’s Favorites" form that you can give to parents to fill out while they wait?
