What Parents Can Do While Waiting for an Autism or ADHD Evaluation

 Waiting Period

Autism and ADHD evaluations are essential for understanding a child’s needs, but in many regions, wait times can stretch far beyond what families expect. The good news? The waiting period isn’t a “blank space.” There are evidence-based strategies parents can use right now to support focus, behavior, and overall wellbeing.

Why the Waiting Period Matters

Wait times for developmental evaluations can be long. In some healthcare systems, children can wait over a year up to 525 days for an autism assessment, with only about 20% of assessments occurring within target timelines.

Similarly, surveys in several regions show that 60% of families wait 12 months or more for an autism evaluation, and many experience significant delays before ADHD assessments are completed.

Long wait times don’t just test patience they can delay access to support, school accommodations, and early intervention services. That’s why what families do during the wait matters

1. Observe, Document, and Share Your Child’s Behavior

One of the most powerful things parents can do is carefully track their child’s behavior over time.

Clinicians often rely heavily on parent-reported behavior patterns as part of standardized tools like the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and ADHD symptom checklists.

This data doesn’t just help you it becomes part of the clinical picture once the evaluation happens, often speeding up understanding and planning.

2. Build Predictable Routines

For children with ADHD or autism traits, structure isn’t optional it’s stabilizing.

Research shows that structured routines can reduce distractibility and help children anticipate what comes next.

Predictability reduces anxiety and helps the brain reserve attention for tasks instead of figuring out what comes next.

3. Support Focus Through Play and Movement

Physical activity boosts blood flow to brain regions responsible for attention and self-regulation.

In a study of children with ADHD, structured physical activity such as martial arts and aerobic play showed measurable improvements in attention and self-control.

Movement isn’t just “burning energy.” It’s supporting neurodevelopmental pathways that help with attention and self-regulation.

4. Rethink Nutrition & Stability

Nutrition plays a role in energy levels and attention. Emerging research suggests that balanced meals with protein, fiber, and healthy fats can help support focus.

Limiting excessive sugar and ultra-processed foods can help reduce energy spikes and crashes, which often mimic attention challenges.

5. Focus on Sleep & Screen Time

Sleep and attention are deeply intertwined. Disruptions in sleep can worsen focus difficulties especially in children with ADHD traits.

Reducing late-night screen time and setting consistent sleep routines supports the brain’s ability to regulate attention and behavior. Emerging studies find that screen exposure close to bedtime is linked to reduced sleep quality, which can mimic or worsen ADHD symptoms.

6. Try Mindfulness & Attention Training

Mindfulness isn’t just for adults. Research shows that children even as young as six can benefit from simple practices that help them notice distraction and gently return their focus. Mindfulness training has been associated with improvements in attention and emotional regulation.

These practices help children learn how attention works, not just that they need more of it

7. Build Support Networks & Seek Early Help

Waiting for evaluation isn’t isolation. Parent support groups both local and online can provide practical ideas, emotional support, and referrals to early-stage intervention programs.

Research on caregiver wellbeing shows that parents who engage in supportive communities report higher confidence and lower stress, which can directly improve a child’s daily experience.

Don’t wait for answers to start feeling supported

Waiting Is Not Wasted Time

For many families like Ella’s, the period before an official diagnosis can feel uncertain but it’s far from stagnant. By taking proactive, evidence-informed steps now, families can build stronger routines, support focus and wellbeing, and strengthen the care journey before the evaluation even happens.

At Glow Pediatrics, we believe every family deserves support and clarity even in the waiting room of care. If you’re navigating this stage and would like personalized guidance or community resources, we’re here for you.

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