The Hidden Autism Therapy Desert in America
In the past two decades, the number of professionals certified to provide Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy—a proven intervention for autistic children—has exploded. But here’s the surprising part: despite this growth, over half of U.S. counties still don’t have a single board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA).
That statistic is more than a number—it represents thousands of families struggling to find help for their children.
ABA Therapy: Widely Recommended, Widely Inaccessible
ABA therapy is the most research-supported treatment for children on the autism spectrum. It focuses on positive reinforcement to help kids develop crucial communication, social, and daily living skills. While it’s covered by insurance in every U.S. state, a large portion of the country is still left behind.
A recent nationwide study revealed that out of more than 3,100 counties, approximately 54% do not have any BCBAs at all. Worse, some counties don’t even border another county with a BCBA. This leaves entire regions—especially rural and lower-income areas—with little to no access to the therapy so many children need.
The Growing Gap Between Demand and Supply
This mismatch is particularly troubling when we consider that autism diagnoses are on the rise, and so is the demand for therapy. However, therapist distribution remains concentrated in wealthier, urban counties. In contrast, underserved areas are left with long waitlists, few provider choices, or no options at all.
Imagine being a parent, finally receiving an autism diagnosis for your child—only to discover there’s no qualified therapist within hours of your home. It’s an all-too-common reality in many parts of the country.
Bridging the Gap with High-Quality ABA Services
To solve this problem, experts are calling for better incentives to train and retain local talent in underserved areas. But for families in regions where help is already available, it’s important to take advantage of existing high-quality services—before waitlists grow even longer.
For example, families seeking ABA therapy services in Maryland have access to dedicated, experienced professionals through Crown ABA. This team specializes in individualized care plans that meet your child’s unique needs, all while providing support to the entire family.
Get in Touch Today
Access to autism therapy shouldn’t depend on your ZIP code. If you’re in Maryland and looking for reliable, compassionate, and effective ABA therapy, Crown ABA is here to help.
Get in touch today to start building a brighter path for your child’s development.
