WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – Parents and those in the field of autism therapy say the waitlist to receive an autism diagnosis can be two years or longer.
The founders of a local applied behavior analysis therapy center, Blooming Horizons , opened their second Wichita ABA location this past week. They said the need for autism therapy in the state of Kansas put their first near capacity in just a year.
A couple from Derby, Tara and Dillan Curtis, said their daughter’s autism diagnosis journey has been nerve-racking, but they have seen huge strides because of the therapy she has received at Blooming Horizons.
The Curtis family said playing the waiting game to receive the diagnosis was agonizing.
“We were on a waitlist for two years,” said Tara.
It’s a process that requires a screening and comprehensive diagnostic evaluation.
Tara said their family felt trapped, unable to begin therapy for their daughter.
“It feels like you’re in quicksand until you get that call that you have the appointment and this is the day,” said Tara.