Parents face 6- to 12-month delays for autism care
Source: Kid Care Connect
MIAMI , April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Parents across the United States are facing wait times of six to twelve months just to access autism evaluations and developmental care, often calling 8 to 12 providers before finding a single available appointment. These delays can cost children access to critical early intervention during their most important developmental years.
A growing national bottleneck in access to care
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1 in 36 children in the United States is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, a number that has steadily increased over the past decade. At the same time, many regions continue to face a shortage of developmental specialists, contributing to long waiting lists and limited access to timely care.
Provider reports and industry data indicate that families often wait months for neurological evaluations, with some contacting 10 or more providers before finding availability. Experts emphasize that early intervention, particularly before age five, plays a critical role in improving developmental outcomes, making these delays especially impactful.
Kid Care Connect , a recently launched digital platform, aims to address this growing access gap by helping families quickly connect with specialists who have real-time availability. The platform allows parents to create a free profile, describe their child’s needs, and receive notifications when providers, including neurologists, developmental pediatricians, speech therapists, and behavioral specialists, have openings.
Families using the platform can also access telehealth support, educational resources, and parent training designed to help them better understand and navigate their children’s care journey. By combining technology with a growing network of providers, Kid Care Connect is designed to reduce the time families spend seeking care and expedite access to services during critical developmental periods.
The platform was created by entrepreneur and behavioral therapy advocate Frank Herrera, who developed the concept after years of working with families navigating autism and developmental care systems.
“Every week, I met with parents who were overwhelmed, stuck on waiting lists, and didn’t know where to turn,” Herrera said. “The real crisis isn’t autism, it’s access. Kid Care Connect was created to turn confusion into clarity and give families a faster path to the care their children need.”
In addition to helping families find providers, Kid Care Connect focuses on empowering parents through education and tools that put them in a more active role in their children’s care. The platform includes courses, guided resources, and future AI-powered features designed to help parents better understand assessments, prepare for appointments, and make informed decisions.
Kid Care Connect is currently available to families and providers, with an initial focus on expanding access across Florida and plans for broader national growth.
