Written by Behavior Frontiers as Part of Their Bright Futures Series

Helping Every Child Thrive: Expanding Access to Autism Care for All Families

At Behavior Frontiers, we believe every child deserves the chance to reach their full potential—no matter their race, ethnicity, income, or location.

But we also know that for many families, the journey to an autism diagnosis and quality care hasn’t always been equal.

As we observe Juneteenth, a meaningful day that honors the end of slavery and highlights the long journey toward justice and equality, we are reminded that many communities still face barriers to fair and timely autism diagnosis and care.

These ongoing challenges reflect the broader themes of delayed justice that Juneteenth represents. Within the autism community, families in historically underserved areas often encounter unequal access to the support their children need.

At Behavior Frontiers, we’re dedicated to changing that—working to expand access, promote equity, and build a more inclusive future where every child has the support to thrive.

The Facts: What the Data Tells Us

While autism affects children of all racial and ethnic backgrounds at similar rates, not all children receive the same level of access, diagnosis, or care. Research shows persistent disparities that continue to affect children of color—especially Black and Hispanic children.

Here’s what the data reveals:

Later Diagnoses: A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that Black children are typically diagnosed with autism more than 3 years after parents first voice developmental concerns—often due to providers dismissing or misinterpreting those concerns. Similarly, Hispanic children are diagnosed on average 2 years later than their white peers, even when they show comparable signs of autism at early ages. Early diagnosis is critical because the earlier intervention begins, the more progress a child can make.
Lower Access to Services: After receiving a diagnosis, children from minority groups are significantly less likely to access services like ABA therapy, speech therapy, or occupational therapy. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Black and Hispanic children are 20–30% less likely to receive early intervention services than white children. This often results from a combination of factors: provider shortages in some areas, language barriers, insurance complications, and a lack of culturally informed outreach.
Misdiagnosis and Underdiagnosis: Black children are more likely to be diagnosed with conditions like ADHD, conduct disorder, or oppositional defiant disorder before autism is considered. These misdiagnoses can delay proper support and lead to frustration or stigma for families. In other cases, developmental concerns may be minimized or overlooked entirely, especially when families are unfamiliar with autism signs or are not offered referrals for evaluation.
Socioeconomic Factors Amplify the Divide: Many families of color face additional challenges such as limited access to healthcare providers, difficulty taking time off work, or lack of transportation—making it harder to attend screenings and ongoing therapy sessions. These structural barriers, layered on top of racial disparities, create deep and lasting gaps in care.

Together, these data points make it clear: addressing disparities isn’t optional—it’s essential. When a child’s developmental needs are missed or delayed, they miss critical windows for learning, growth, and connection. That’s why expanding access to care—early, accurate, and equitable—is one of the most meaningful steps we can take.

What We’re Doing to Make a Difference

At Behavior Frontiers, we’re taking intentional steps to help ensure more children—no matter their background—can access the care they need.

Opening Centers in High-Need Areas: We consider community needs carefully when choosing where to open new centers. Many of our newest locations are in areas where autism services are limited, giving more families access to in-center and in-home therapy options. By bringing services closer to where families live, we reduce common barriers like long travel times, waitlists, and the limited availability of autism providers in underserved areas.
Hiring a Diverse, Inclusive Team: We’re proud to have a diverse team of behavior technicians, clinical supervisors, and staff who reflect the communities we serve. Many of our team members speak more than one language and bring important cultural insights that help us better connect with families. This cultural understanding helps build trust, encourages open communication, and ensures that therapy plans are both respectful and responsive to each family’s needs and values.
Providing Tools That Help Families See Progress: Our exclusive clinical platform, PrioraCare™, allows us to monitor each child’s progress in real time and make updates as needed. This helps ensure that therapy remains effective and goal-oriented—and that families can see the results of their child’s growth. For families who may be new to autism services or unsure what to expect, PrioraCare™ offers reassurance and transparency. It helps build confidence in the process by showing clear, measurable outcomes—and allows our clinicians to act quickly when adjustments are needed.
Welcoming All Families, Every Step of the Way: Navigating autism care can be overwhelming—especially if you’re just getting started. We work closely with families to help them understand the process, access services through insurance (including Medicaid), and feel confident every step of the way.

Whether you’re just beginning to explore autism services or looking for a center that better meets your family’s needs, we’re here to help—without judgment and with compassion.

Respecting Every Family’s Culture and Values

Autism care isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your family’s culture, language, values, and traditions shape how you experience the world—and they should shape the care you receive, too.

At Behavior Frontiers, we approach every family with curiosity and respect, not assumptions. We believe that listening first and understanding each family’s unique perspective leads to better communication, stronger partnerships, and more meaningful progress for the child.

Culturally responsive care isn’t just about speaking the same language—it’s about recognizing what matters most to your family and building therapy plans that align with your goals and your child’s strengths. Whether it’s involving extended family in sessions, honoring cultural customs, or adjusting communication styles, we’re here to support your child in ways that feel respectful and right for you.

Looking Ahead

While disparities still exist, we’re encouraged by the progress being made—and by the incredible families and professionals working to create more equitable outcomes.

As we continue to grow, we’re excited to partner with more families, communities, and healthcare providers to ensure every child—no matter their background—has the opportunity to receive effective, compassionate autism care. We know there’s more work to do, but we’re proud to be part of the effort to make autism services more inclusive, transparent, and accessible for all.

Because when every child is supported, our communities grow stronger together.

If you’d like to learn more about how Behavior Frontiers can support your family, we invite you to contact us today by calling us at 888-922-2843 or by filling out the form below. We’re here to help every child reach their full potential.

Sources:

Zuckerman, K.E., et al. (2017). Pediatrics, JAMA Pediatrics

Magaña, S. et al. (2012). Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice

National Institute of Mental Health (2011)

Mandell, D.S., et al. (2009). Racial/Ethnic Disparities in the Identification of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

Understanding Racial Disparities in Autism Care—and How We’re Working to Close the Gaps