Nov 30 • Alen Faye Crisostomo, BS, RPM

Facing the Therapist Shortage: The Lifeline of ABA Therapy for People with Special Needs

                         The Growing Need for Therapy Services

An estimated 14.1 million U.S. children require specialized healthcare, including therapies like ABA, with autism now affecting
1 in 36 children. Rising demand has overwhelmed the system, creating significant delays in care. Workforce shortages are a critical barrier: fewer than 35,000 certified ABA providers serve the nation, and nearly 45% of school districts report unfilled special education roles. The severe shortage of RBTs worsen the crisis, leaving countless children without timely support.

Long Waiting Lists and Limited Access

Many children face long waits for ABA therapy with RBTs. Over 60% of ABA centers report wait times of more than four months for autism evaluations, and 15% of autism centers experience delays exceeding a year. In some cases, overwhelmed facilities have stopped accepting new referrals altogether. The shortage of qualified providers (Registered Behavior Technicians), combined with administrative hurdles, disproportionately affects low-income and rural families. In Utah alone, Over 2,000 families are on waiting lists for specialized services, with delays lasting several years. Rural areas and families reliant on government-funded programs are especially vulnerable to these challenges.

Why ABA Therapy is Essential as Therapist Shortages Challenge Kids with Special Needs

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is one of the most effective interventions for children with special needs, particularly those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Given the rising demand for therapies like ABA and the shortage of providers, the benefits underscore the urgency of improving access to these services. ABA therapy's ability to address core developmental and behavioral challenges makes it an invaluable resource, especially as autism diagnoses and therapy waitlists continue to grow. Expanding the availability of ABA providers and reducing wait times could dramatically improve outcomes for many children with special needs.

Benefits of ABA Therapy
  1. Communication Skills: It promotes verbal and non-verbal communication through structured techniques like positive reinforcement.
  2. Social Skills: ABA teaches children how to engage with peers and adults, fostering better social interactions.
  3. Behavior Management: ABA reduces problem behaviors such as aggression or self-injury by targeting their underlying causes.
  4. Independence: It supports the development of daily living skills, enabling children to participate more fully in everyday activities.
  5. Academic Success: ABA helps children stay focused and follow instructions, supporting their learning and academic progress.
Guaranteed Security using one of the most advanced encrypted systems on the market.
The information in this page is being processed and encrypted securely using industry-leading encryption and fraud prevention tools.
ATCC is the world's leading ABA Training & Certification Center, providing award-winning RBT® training and certification services to students nationwide for more than a decade. ATCC supports students every step of the way, to build rewarding careers in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and contribute to improving the lives of individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.

1-877-770-2822
SUPPORT@ATCCONLINE.COM
AFFILIATE PROGRAM
CONTACT US

RBT

BCBA

Caregiver

More

Choose Your Best RBT® Training Plan 

Thank you!