Waiting for answers is hard. Whether you’re on a list for a developmental evaluation, a diagnosis, or a medical appointment like speech therapy or behavior support, it can feel like everything is on pause—your questions, your plans, your peace of mind. The uncertainty is unnerving.
Here are some ideas for how to manage this waiting period:
Call Medical and Therapy Providers Regularly
- Ask the front desk when is the best time of day to call to check for cancellations.
- Set a weekly reminder. A number of parents we know set a weekly alarm when the office opens to make that call first thing in the morning. It isn’t guaranteed to work, but it works often enough to make those 10 minutes a week worthwhile.
- Keep your tone warm and respectful—receptionists often remember kindness.
- Let them know you’re available for a short-notice appointment.
Explore Community-Based Options
If you’re waiting for insurance-covered therapy, don’t forget about community programs:
- Many local early childhood education programs offer speech and behavior support.
- Some nonprofits and school readiness programs include developmental screening or coaching.
- Your child might qualify for services through Regional Center (for qualifying developmental disabilities), or your local school district if your child is 3 or older. Under three, and they may qualify for Early Start services which do not require any specific medical diagnosis.
- At EFRC, we can help you navigate community-based resources that may be helpful for your child — and your family.
Start Building Your Village
Feeling like your child doesn’t “fit in” with typical milestones can be isolating — especially if your child’s behavior is challenging or unexpected given their age.
- Reach out to parenting groups, playgroups, or online spaces where differences are embraced. At EFRC, we can try to help you identify some options locally based on our knowledge of what’s out there.
- If that feels too hard right now, start smaller: talk to one trusted friend who sees your effort and cares.
Gentle Reminders
- You are still the expert on your child. Keep documenting what you see, what’s hard, and what helps. It will provide helpful information for the professional you’re waiting to see, when you do get into that appointment.
- You’re not powerless. There are resources available to help that do not require a formal evaluation or diagnosis to access — especially in the early childhood years.
- Persistence pays. When you follow up with appointment schedulers with friendliness, you may be pleasantly surprised at the results. It’s natural to feel frustrated that this is yet another thing to do on your busy to-do list. But given a medical system that is often described as overburdened, it’s often necessary.
- Challenges accessing one system need not stall your efforts to seek services from other systems. Education, medical, and Regional Center (if applicable) are separate. You can move forward in others, even if progress in one is delayed or lagging.
EFRC can help you explore alternative options with possibly shorter waitlists, explore local community-based resources, draft emails to providers, and even just listen if you need to talk it out. Many of us are parents too. We know how heavy the season of waiting can feel — especially when you know that your child has support needs and challenges.
