If your child has recently been diagnosed with autism, and you’ve been referred for ABA therapy, you’re likely hearing one word a lot: waitlist.

The wait for services can feel frustrating, scary, and endless. You want to help your child now, not six months from now. The good news is, you can. While ABA therapy is a powerful tool, there are many things you can do at home right away to support your child’s development, reduce stress, and build a strong foundation for success.

Here’s a simple, parent-friendly guide to getting started, even before formal therapy begins.

1. Create Structure with Routines

Children with autism often thrive with predictability. You don’t need a perfect schedule, but setting up basic routines for meals, play, bedtime, and transitions can help your child feel more secure and reduce meltdowns.

Try this:

• Use a visual schedule with pictures or icons to show what’s happening next.
  
• Keep transitions calm and predictable: give a 5-minute warning before switching activities.
  

Pro Tip: Repeat the same simple language every day: “First breakfast, then playtime.” This builds understanding over time.

2. Focus on Communication: Any Form Counts

Even if your child isn’t using words yet, you can start teaching simple communication skills right away. What matters most is that they learn to get their needs met appropriately, not by crying or grabbing.

You can:

• Teach 1–2 signs (like “open” or “help”)
  
• Offer choices with pictures or objects: “Do you want juice or milk?”
  
• Use a core word approach (e.g., focus on “eat,” “go,” “no”)
  

Pro Tip: Always label the item while you deliver it to your child. Pausing for a second before you provide the item (if they can tolerate the slight delay) gives your child an opportunity to try to imitate you.

3. Reinforce the Behaviors You Want to See

ABA relies heavily on positive reinforcement, and you can start using this simple strategy today. When your child does something you like (even if it’s small!), praise and reward it immediately.

Examples:

• If your child sits calmly for a minute, say, “I love how you’re sitting!” and deliver a small snack or toy
  
• If they look at you when you say their name, celebrate it with clapping or a favorite activity.
  

Pro Tip: Keep reinforcers quick, clear, and meaningful. You want your child to connect the dots.

4. Model and Imitate to Build Connection

Before you can teach, your child has to be engaged with you. Start by building a strong connection through play and imitation.

Try:

• Imitating their movements, sounds, or play (even if it’s repetitive)
  
• Gently introducing new ways to play while still following their lead
  
• Getting face-to-face and staying on their level
  

Pro Tip: If your child is spinning wheels on a car, spin one with them, then drive your car in a circle. You’re joining their world and expanding it.

5. Track What Works (and What Doesn’t)

Every child is different, and the more you observe, the better prepared you’ll be when therapy starts.

Keep notes on:

• What your child enjoys (foods, toys, activities)
  
• When and why challenging behaviors occur
  
• How your child communicates wants and needs
  

Pro Tip: Use a simple tracker or even the notes app on your phone. These observations will help your ABA team build an effective plan.

6. Use Everyday Moments as Teaching Opportunities

You don’t need flashcards or special materials. Mealtime, bath time, and even getting dressed are rich with learning.

You can:

• Label objects: “Shirt! Let’s put on your shirt.”
  
• Pause before giving something they want to give them an opportunity to request
  
• Break tasks into steps and help them complete just one step at a time
  

Pro Tip: Consistency is more important than perfection. Do a little, often.

7. Take Care of Yourself Too

Supporting your child starts with supporting yourself. You’re not just waiting, you’re actively building a better future. That’s hard, important work.

Try:

• Connecting with other parents (online or locally)
  
• Scheduling short breaks for yourself when possible
  
• Remembering that progress is possible, even in small steps
  

Pro Tip: If you’re overwhelmed, that’s okay. You’re not alone, and you don’t have to do it all at once.

You’re Not Powerless

Waiting for ABA therapy doesn’t mean doing nothing. It means preparing, connecting, and laying the groundwork so that when therapy begins, your child is ready to grow, and so are you.

And remember: You are your child’s first and most important teacher. What you do now matters. Keep going. You’ve already taken the first step.

Want more simple, evidence-based strategies you can use right now?
Download our free parent guide: 5 ABA Strategies to Start Using Today
(No jargon. Just real help.)

Or, join our Parent Coaching Program for guided support while you wait for services.

👉 Join the Parent Coaching Program