Why autism wait lists are so long (and how AB Psych is changing that)
If you’ve been told to wait six months or even a year just to get your child evaluated for autism, you’re not alone. For too many families, long waitlists and slow systems turn an already stressful situation into a crisis. But what if it didn’t have to be this way?
In Episode 3 of the Dr. B & Friends podcast, Dr. Anthony Benigno and co-host Jordan break down the reasons evaluations are so delayed and what AB Psych is doing differently. From intake forms to final reports, this episode gives parents a clear roadmap of what to expect, how to prepare and most importantly, how to get answers faster without sacrificing care or accuracy.
What makes evaluations take so long?
The first shock for many parents is the wait. Not just for the appointment, but also for the report, which might not arrive for another one to two months after testing. As Dr. B explains, this lag is often due to outdated systems, bottlenecks in paperwork and understaffed clinics.
Families are left in limbo, unable to access services or accommodations without a diagnosis. In the meantime, stress, confusion and frustration grow.
Changing the system from the inside
For Dr. B, speeding up evaluations isn’t just a business goal, it’s a calling. AB Psych has invested in tools, training and systems to reduce wait times dramatically. In many cases, they can deliver comprehensive reports in less than two weeks, a game-changer for families used to waiting months.
The key? Efficiency without rushing. They’ve reimagined how data is collected, how interviews are structured and how clinicians are trained to make every step intentional and informed.
What to expect before the evaluation
Evaluations don’t begin in the testing room. At AB Psych, the process starts with a 15-minute introductory call. This isn’t an assessment, it’s a way to understand your concerns, determine if a full evaluation is needed and guide you to the right next step.
We also have a Pre-Assessment Questionnaire for Parents which provides some immediate feedback. While not a diagnostic tool, it offers clear, personalized insights, placing your responses into one of three categories: Low, Moderate and High Concern. So, a valuable first step in understanding your child’s behavior and identifying areas that may need attention. Then, if you book the 15-minute call, your answers will help the AB Psych Team offer you support that’s informed and purposeful from the start.
If a full evaluation / assessment is appropriate, this will take place in person. At this point parents will fill out a fuller intake form. This includes basic background, developmental history, and specific concerns. Dr. B emphasizes that the clearer and more complete this form is, the better the evaluation will go.
Parents are encouraged to bring school reports, IEPs, therapy notes and any documentation from doctors. But quality matters more than quantity. Relevant, concise information helps the clinician build a full picture without wading through unnecessary paperwork.
Inside the testing room
The actual evaluation varies depending on the child’s needs. Autism testing, for instance, might include one-on-one sessions in a small, controlled room designed to resemble a comfortable play space. Children might interact with toys while clinicians observe and engage. Other evaluations, such as for ADHD or learning disabilities, involve different tools and may span multiple sessions
No two assessments are identical. Every child is different, and Dr. B’s team tailors the process to fit the questions being asked.
Tools that bring clarity
Assessment tools include questionnaires, interviews and performance tasks. For example, a child might be asked to name as many animals as they can in one minute. These tasks aren’t random; they reveal important insights into cognitive processing, language skills, and executive functioning.
Each test is normed against peers, which means results show where a child stands in relation to age-based expectations. This data helps clinicians make accurate, research-backed decisions.
Accuracy needs empathy
Dr. B stresses that accuracy isn’t just about good tools, it’s about good rapport. A child who feels safe and seen will give better data. That’s why AB Psych prioritizes relationship-building. From how a clinician greets a child to how they interpret body language, every interaction matters.
In fact, a bad evaluation can happen when rapport is missing. A child who’s uncomfortable might shut down, resist eye contact, or show behavior that mimics symptoms they don’t actually have. Skilled clinicians know how to connect, play and read between the lines.
What happens after testing
Once the testing is complete and the data is analyzed, families receive feedback. For autism evaluations, this can often happen on the same day. For ADHD or more complex profiles, it may take a few weeks due to the need to gather additional teacher or specialist input.
Still, the AB Psych timeline remains far faster than most. Their goal is not just to deliver reports quickly, but to deliver them right, with clarity, compassion, and actionable insight.
What makes a good evaluation?
A good evaluation isn’t just about ticking boxes. It involves careful history-taking, context awareness, flexible tools and strong clinical judgment. Dr. B explains that his team is handpicked not just for credentials, but for personality. They must be relatable, kid-friendly and able to roll on the floor if that’s what it takes to help a child feel safe. Ultimately, the goal is simple: give families real answers they can trust.
Get clarity, not confusion
If you’re waiting for an autism or ADHD evaluation, this episode is your behind-the-scenes pass. It demystifies the process, empowers parents to ask better questions and shows what’s possible when clinicians care deeply about doing it right and doing it fast.
Watch or listen to Episode 3 of Dr. B & Friends to find out how you can move from stuck to supported.
Take the free pre-assessment or book an introductory call.
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