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How long does it take to get an autism diagnosis?

If you’re reading this article, chances are you’ve already started asking questions about your child’s development.

Maybe you’ve spoken with your pediatrician. Maybe you’re waiting for a referral. Maybe you’ve already joined a waitlist and are wondering why the process seems to be taking so long.

One of the most frustrating parts of the autism journey is waiting for answers.

The good news is that you’re not alone. At Best Buds ABA, we regularly speak with families across Nevada and Colorado who are navigating the same uncertainty.

Quick Answer

The autism diagnosis process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months depending on provider availability, insurance requirements, referrals, and local waitlists.

While some families receive answers quickly, others may experience delays simply because demand for evaluations is high.

The important thing to remember is that waiting does not mean you’re doing anything wrong.

Why Wait Times Vary

Families in Henderson, Las Vegas, Denver, Colorado Springs, and surrounding communities often experience different timelines depending on local provider availability and demand.

Some areas have shorter waitlists than others, while certain specialists may be booked months in advance.

This can feel frustrating, but it is a common experience for many families pursuing an autism evaluation.

What Impacts the Timeline?

Several factors can affect how quickly a child receives a diagnosis:

  • Specialist waitlists
  • Insurance requirements
  • Referral processes
  • Availability of developmental evaluations
  • Scheduling challenges

What Can Parents Do While Waiting?

Waiting does not mean standing still.

While it may feel like everything is on hold until the evaluation takes place, there are still several meaningful steps you can take in the meantime. This waiting period can actually be a valuable opportunity to learn more about your child’s needs and prepare for whatever comes next.

  • Many parents find it helpful to keep notes about behaviors, communication patterns, sensory sensitivities, and developmental milestones. These observations can be useful during the evaluation process and may help you notice patterns you had not previously recognized.
  • You can also speak with teachers, daycare providers, or caregivers who interact with your child regularly. Their perspective can provide additional insight and help create a more complete picture of your child’s strengths and challenges.
  • This is also a good time to begin learning about available support services, understanding your insurance benefits, and exploring what therapy options may be available if your child ultimately receives a diagnosis.

At Best Buds ABA, we often remind parents that preparation today can make the next steps feel much less overwhelming tomorrow. While waiting for answers is never easy, taking small, proactive steps can help you feel more confident and better prepared for whatever comes next.

Is My Child Losing Valuable Time While We Wait?

This is one of the most common fears parents have.

The reality is that many children continue learning, growing, and making progress while families move through the evaluation process.

The most important thing is that you continue seeking answers and support rather than putting concerns aside indefinitely.

Even small steps taken today can make a meaningful difference later.

FAQ’S

What if the waitlist is several months long?

Long waitlists are unfortunately common in many areas. Continue documenting concerns, speaking with your pediatrician, and exploring available resources while you wait.

Can I contact ABA providers before receiving a diagnosis?

Yes. Many families begin learning about therapy options, insurance coverage, and next steps before the evaluation process is complete.

You Don’t Have to Navigate the Waiting Period Alone

Waiting for answers can be stressful, but you do not have to figure everything out by yourself.

The Best Buds ABA team works with families across Nevada and Colorado who are navigating evaluations, diagnoses, insurance questions, and therapy options.

Whether you’re still waiting for an evaluation or preparing for life after a diagnosis, we’re here to help you understand your options and feel confident about your next steps.

Reach out to Best Buds ABA today and let us help you move forward with confidence.

Amy Naffa, MA, BCBA, LBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst & Licensed Behavior Analyst

Amy Naffa, MA, BCBA, LBA, is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Behavior Analyst in Nevada who is passionate about helping children and families achieve meaningful, lasting progress through evidence-based ABA services.

With years of experience supporting individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities, Amy has worked across home, school, and clinical settings. She is dedicated to building strong relationships with families, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and creating individualized programs that help each child reach their unique potential.

Amy earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Fresno Pacific University and her Master’s Degree in Special Education with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University. Her clinical approach emphasizes compassionate care, family partnership, and data-driven decision-making to promote meaningful and lasting outcomes.

Outside of work, Amy enjoys spending time with her husband, their three doodles, and their orange cat. She loves traveling, shopping, attending church, and making memories with family and friends.

Melissa Zuniga M.S. BCBA, LBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Melissa Zuniga is a bilingual Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) licensed in Nevada and Utah with experience in both education and behavioral health since 2006. Over the years, she had the opportunity to work in many different roles including direct therapist, teacher, RBT, behavior consultant, and BCBA, which has helped her develop a well-rounded and compassionate approach when supporting children and families. Melissa’s specialty is in early childhood intervention, with a focus on building communication, social, behavioral, and adaptive skills through individualized and developmentally appropriate support.

She is passionate about helping clients build communication, independence, emotional regulation, social, and daily living skills across home, school, clinic, and community settings.
Melissa especially values working closely with families and creating individualized, culturally responsive care that feels supportive, practical, and meaningful for each child’s unique needs.

Patrick Gray, MA, CAS, BCBA

Clinical Director

Patrick is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who has worked in clinical applied behavior analysis for over eight years. He completed his Masters and Certificate of Advanced Study in school psychology at the State University of New York at Plattsburgh, practicing for two years before getting his BCBA credential in 2017 through the University of Colorado at Denver. Patrick has worked with children with disabilities since 2011, and has specialized in social skills training, school-based collaboration, and serving individuals impacted by severe behavior. He is particularly proud of his membership in COABA and his work in the Public Policy Committee, specifically the Medical Necessity in Schools Action Committee. Outside of work, you can find him attending concerts, doing laps in a pool, or reading.

Candice Ashley "Candi" Delto-Alambatin M.S., BCBA, LBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Candi is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) dedicated to supporting children and families through compassionate, evidence-based care. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology, where she gained experience supporting young women impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault. Candi initially entered the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) while pursuing a different career path. However, through her work with children and families, she discovered a strong passion for creating meaningful, lasting change through behavioral support. This led her to further her education and earn a Master of Science in Psychology with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis.

Since 2017, Candi has worked with individuals ages 2 through 21 with autism and related developmental needs, including ADHD, ODD, OCD, Down syndrome, Anxiety, Epilepsy, and other behavioral and developmental differences in Nevada. She has provided services across telehealth (in Colorado and Maryland), home, clinic, school, and community-based settings, allowing her to support families in a wide range of environments. Candi is passionate about helping individuals develop functional, meaningful skills that increase independence and improve quality of life. Her clinical approach focuses on identifying the underlying function of behavior and implementing individualized, data-driven interventions designed to support long-term success.

She is known for balancing empathy with structure, ensuring that care is both compassionate and effective. Candi prioritizes collaboration with caregivers and interdisciplinary teams to promote consistency across environments and meaningful progress over time. She is deeply committed to parent training and caregiver support, equipping families with practical strategies they can confidently implement in their daily lives. As a BCBA, Candi integrates principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) into her clinical approach, supporting individuals and caregivers in building psychological flexibility, strengthening values-based decision making, and developing adaptive coping strategies. She strives to create a supportive and respectful therapeutic environment for everyone involved, including clients, families, behavior technicians, and colleagues. She approaches her work with cultural sensitivity, professionalism, and a genuine respect for the unique experiences of each individual she serves. Her goal is to provide high-quality care that leads to meaningful, sustainable outcomes for every individual and family.

Brittany Archuleta

Operations Manager

Brittany Archuleta began her journey in ABA over six years ago as an RBT, working directly with children and seeing firsthand the incredible impact individualized support can have on their lives. As she grew in her career, Brittany discovered a passion not only for helping children succeed but also for supporting the teams and systems that make that care possible. Today, in her leadership and operations role, she is dedicated to building strong, compassionate teams and creating an environment where every child and family feels supported, empowered, and celebrated. Brittany believes that meaningful connections, thoughtful guidance, and a commitment to growth are at the heart of truly transformative ABA care.

Jairin Dela Cruz, BCBA, LBA, DBH-C

Clinical Director

Jairin is a passionate advocate for individuals and families in the autism community, bringing a unique blend of medical knowledge, behavioral expertise, and cultural understanding to her work. She earned her Doctorate in Medicine and a bachelor’s degree in psychology in the Philippines and later became certified by the Educational Commission of Foreign Medical Graduates in the U.S..

Her journey shifted when a family member was diagnosed with autism, inspiring her to dedicate her life to supporting individuals and families through Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

Jairin studied ABA at the Florida Institute of Technology and became a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst in 2015, building a strong foundation for her evidence-based practice. For over a decade, she has helped individuals with developmental or behavioral challenges, collaborating with parents, caregivers, and behavior technicians to foster supportive environments where every individual can reach their fullest potential. She also guides a team of BCBAs and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), helping them provide compassionate, high-quality care. Deeply committed to community service, Jairin volunteers at autism awareness events, family resource programs, and outreach initiatives, always approaching her work with empathy, cultural sensitivity, and profound respect for the diverse families she serves.

Today, as a Licensed Behavior Analyst in Nevada and a doctoral candidate in behavioral health, Jairin focuses on delivering ABA interventions that blend her clinical expertise with ongoing research to help individuals thrive. Her mission is to provide care that is compassionate, evidence-based, and partner closely with families, and guide her team to ensure every individual receives the support they need to reach their fullest potential.