Struggling with 6-12 Month Wait Times? Here's How to Get Your Child Evaluated Faster
If you've been told your child needs a developmental evaluation and the earliest appointment is six months away, you're not alone in feeling frustrated and worried. It's completely understandable to feel like precious time is slipping away when you know your child could benefit from early support. The good news? You have more options than you might think, and there are meaningful steps you can take right now to move things forward.
Let's walk through practical strategies to get your child evaluated sooner and ensure they receive the support they need without unnecessary delays.
Understanding the Reality of Wait Times
Before we dive into solutions, it's important to know that what you're experiencing is unfortunately common. Many families face wait times of 18 to 24 months, and in some areas, waits can stretch up to three years for comprehensive developmental evaluations. These delays often occur at large hospital systems and university clinics where demand far exceeds capacity.
But here's what many parents don't realize: this isn't your only path forward. Multiple evaluation options exist, and understanding them can significantly reduce your wait time.
Explore Telehealth Evaluation Services
One of the most promising developments in recent years has been the expansion of telehealth diagnostic services. Virtual clinics now offer comprehensive autism and developmental evaluations exclusively through video appointments, often cutting wait times dramatically compared to traditional in-person evaluations.
These assessments typically involve clinical psychologists and speech-language pathologists who conduct thorough evaluations through video conferencing. The process usually takes about three hours total, spread across multiple sessions, and many families find the home environment actually helps their child feel more comfortable during the evaluation.
When considering telehealth options, ask about:
The credentials of the evaluating team
Whether they use standardized assessment tools
How they handle the parts of evaluation that typically require hands-on interaction
What support they provide after delivering results
Look Into Community-Based Programs
Several innovative programs across the country have developed faster, more accessible evaluation models by training local pediatricians and community providers. These programs bring expertise closer to families and often have much shorter wait times.
For example, some states have successfully reduced diagnosis timelines by partnering primary care practices with early intervention professionals. These community-based models can often complete evaluations in weeks rather than months, particularly in rural or underserved areas where specialty services are limited.
Contact your state's developmental disabilities organization or early intervention system to ask about any community-based diagnostic programs in your area.
Consider Private-Pay Evaluations
While this option requires financial resources, private-pay evaluations can significantly reduce wait times. Private clinics typically have more flexibility in scheduling and often prioritize families who can pay out-of-pocket.
Here's what to consider:
Many private evaluators offer payment plans or sliding scale fees
Some costs may be reimbursable through health savings accounts
The evaluation report should be accepted by schools and other service providers
You'll want to verify the evaluator's credentials and experience
Before committing, ask about the complete process timeline. Sometimes what appears to be a shorter wait actually involves multiple appointments spread over months, so make sure you understand the full evaluation schedule.
Maximize Your Current Waitlist Position
If you're already on a waitlist, don't just sit and wait. Take proactive steps to make the most of your position:
Get on multiple lists: There's no rule against being on several waitlists simultaneously. Apply to different providers, including hospital systems, university clinics, and private practices.
Ask to be called for cancellations: Many offices maintain cancellation lists for families willing to come in with short notice. Be clear about your availability and how much notice you need.
Complete paperwork early: Ask for intake forms and questionnaires as soon as possible. Having everything ready can sometimes move you up in priority or allow for faster scheduling once an appointment becomes available.
Request early intervention referrals now: Many providers can make referrals to early intervention services even before your evaluation appointment, giving your child access to support services sooner.
Start Intervention Services Immediately
Here's something many parents don't realize: you don't need to wait for a formal diagnosis to begin intervention services. If concerns about your child's development prompted the evaluation request, those same concerns justify starting supportive services now.
Consider these immediate options:
Early Intervention Services: For children under three, contact your state's early intervention system directly. These programs often provide their own developmental assessments and can begin services quickly, sometimes within weeks of referral.
Private therapy services: Speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral interventions can often begin without a formal diagnosis, especially if you're paying privately. Many therapists will work with children based on observed needs rather than waiting for diagnostic labels.
Educational support: If your child is school-aged, request an educational evaluation through your school district. This can happen simultaneously with medical evaluations and may provide access to classroom supports more quickly.
What to Do While You Wait
The waiting period doesn't have to feel passive or wasted. Use this time to gather information and prepare for the evaluation:
Document everything: Keep detailed notes about your child's behaviors, milestones, and areas of concern. Include specific examples with dates when possible. This documentation will be invaluable during the evaluation and can help clinicians work more efficiently.
Research local resources: Learn about services, therapists, and support programs in your area. Understanding your options means you'll be ready to act quickly once you have evaluation results.
Connect with other parents: Parent support groups, both online and in-person, can provide valuable insights about local resources and evaluation experiences. Other families often know about shorter waitlists or alternative providers.
Prepare your child: If your child is old enough to understand, gently prepare them for the evaluation process. Reading books about doctor visits or role-playing can help reduce anxiety.
Essential Questions to Ask Any Provider
Whether you're considering telehealth, private-pay, or traditional evaluations, ask these important questions:
What is the actual timeline from first appointment to receiving results?
Will you need multiple appointments, and how are they spaced?
What happens after the evaluation? Do they provide guidance for next steps?
Can they make referrals to local services and therapists?
Will the evaluation report be comprehensive enough for school and insurance purposes?
What are their credentials and experience with your child's specific concerns?
Trust Your Instincts and Take Action
Remember, you know your child best. If you have concerns about their development, those concerns are valid and deserve attention. Don't let long wait times prevent you from seeking the support your child needs.
The most important thing is to start somewhere. Whether that's getting on multiple waitlists, exploring telehealth options, or beginning early intervention services, taking action now puts you and your child on a path toward getting the support they need.
Your persistence in seeking evaluation and services for your child shows incredible dedication. While the process can feel overwhelming, remember that every step you take is moving your family forward. Early intervention makes a real difference, and there are more pathways to accessing it than ever before.
If you're in the DMV area and looking for comprehensive developmental evaluations with shorter wait times, Dr. Miodovnik's practice specializes in autism and ADHD assessments with a focus on getting families the answers and support they need quickly. Don't let long wait times delay your child's access to the services that can make a meaningful difference in their development and your family's well-being.
