The ABA Therapy Waitlist — What Portland Families Need to Know
Key Takeaways
Climb ABA carries an active waitlist. To hold your child’s spot we need their ASD evaluation, insurance information, date of birth, and contact details. Wait times vary. While you wait, there are meaningful steps you can take to support your child. You can also be on multiple ABA waitlists at once — we encourage it.
The Portland Area ABA Waitlist Is Hard. We Know That.
If you’ve been told your child needs ABA therapy and then handed a waitlist, that gap between diagnosis and services can feel impossible. You want to help your child now. You want answers now. And instead you’re waiting.
We won’t pretend that’s easy. What we can do is be completely transparent about our process, give you honest timelines, and help you make the most of the time between now and your child’s first session.
What You Need to Join the Climb ABA Therapy Waitlist
To hold a spot on our waitlist, we need four things:
- Your child’s full name and date of birth
- Your family’s mailing address
- Your child’s current insurance information — carrier name, member ID, and subscriber name
- A copy of your child’s formal ASD evaluation — completed by a licensed psychologist, developmental pediatrician, or equivalent provider
We cannot hold an ABA waitlist spot without all four. The insurance documentation and ASD evaluation are required to begin the authorization process, which runs in parallel with the waitlist so we’re ready to move quickly when a spot opens.
If your evaluation is still in progress, reach out anyway — we’re happy to answer questions and give you a sense of timing even before you’re ready to officially join.
How Long Is the Wait?
Honestly — it varies. Wait times depend on our current caseload, how many families are ahead of you, and how quickly spots open as existing clients transition out of services.
When you contact us, we’ll give you our most current estimate. We know vague answers are frustrating, so we commit to being as specific as we can and to keeping you updated throughout the process.
One thing that helps on your end: make sure we always have your current contact information and insurance details. If something changes — a new insurance plan, a new address, a change in your child’s diagnosis paperwork — let us know right away. Outdated information is one of the most common reasons authorization gets delayed once a spot opens.
What to Do While You’re Waiting
The ABA Therapy waitlist period doesn’t have to feel like lost time. Here are four things families can do right now that will support your child’s progress and make the transition into ABA smoother:
Pursue other recommended therapies
If your child’s evaluation team recommended speech-language therapy or occupational therapy, pursue those now. These therapies complement ABA and the progress your child makes in other areas carries into ABA sessions.
Connect with local autism support communities
Oregon has active autism family networks including the Autism Society of Oregon and local parent support groups throughout the Portland metro. These communities are a source of practical advice, emotional support, and honest recommendations from families who have been where you are.
Learn about ABA and verbal behavior
Understanding the basics of ABA — what it is, what sessions look like, what verbal behavior means — will help you feel more prepared and more confident when services begin. Our Verbal Behavior Therapy page is a good starting point.
Keep school documentation current
If your child is school-age, make sure their IEP (Individualized Education Program) or IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan) reflects their current needs and diagnosis. ABA providers and school teams work best when documentation is current and aligned.
Can I Be on Multiple ABA Therapy Waitlists?
Yes — and we encourage it. Being on multiple ABA waitlists at once is common practice for families in Portland and across Oregon, and there is no penalty for doing so. If you receive an offer from another provider before a spot opens at Climb, simply let us know. We understand, and we’ll wish your family well.
What matters most is that your child gets access to services. We’d rather you be served quickly somewhere else than wait indefinitely for us.
When a Spot Opens
When a spot opens for your child, we’ll reach out to confirm your information is current and schedule an intake assessment with one of our BCBAs. This assessment is where we get to know your child, review their history, and build an individualized treatment plan.
From there — once insurance authorization is in place — your child begins clinic-based ABA Therapy sessions at Climb.
Contact Us To Get Started
Frequently Asked Questions
About the ABA Waitlist
Click on questions to see answers
How long is the ABA therapy waitlist at Climb?
Wait times vary depending on our current caseload and referral volume. We keep families informed throughout the process and will always give you our most current estimate when you contact us.
What do I need to get on the waitlist?
Your child’s full name, date of birth, mailing address, current insurance information, and a copy of their formal ASD evaluation.
What if we don't have the ASD evaluation yet?
Reach out anyway. We can answer questions and give you a sense of timing before you’re ready to officially join.
Can I be on multiple ABA waitlists at once?
Yes. This is common and encouraged. If you get a spot elsewhere first, simply let us know — no penalty.
What happens if our insurance changes while we're on the waitlist?
Please notify us immediately. Insurance changes affect authorization timelines and can impact your position in the queue.
What if my child ages out of your range while waiting?
We serve children up to age 11. If timing becomes a concern, contact us and we’ll be honest with you about what we can offer given your child’s age and needs.
Join the Climb ABA Waitlist
What Out Clients Say
“Climb has been an absolute honor to work with. Behavior techs have all been such a dream team. Their compassion, understanding, and empathy for their clients is truly something that you don’t come by often nowadays. Clients are truly prioritized You can definitely see everyone’s hearts in their work.”
– SM
“Absolutely amazing. My daughter has been there for almost 3 years. They challenge her and teach her. She makes new progress everyday. Casey and her team have changed my daughters life in a positive way.”
– KS
“My son started talking so much more after he started this program. The teachers and managers are very kind and the facility is so nice.”
– JD