Lost in Limbo: How to Show Up for Families From the Beginning

The reality of our field is that most families spend months (or more) waiting between an autism diagnosis and the actual start of services. During this limbo time, parents are left juggling overwhelming paperwork, mixed advice, and intense emotions… all while trying to support their child.  Too often, ABA professionals see this gap as outside their scope. But in reality, what happens during this time can set the tone for a child’s success.This session will challenge the idea that “parent training” is just about teaching protocols. Instead, we’ll explore how BCBAs should meet families where they are, both emotionally and practically, in those early stages.  Participants will learn how to support families ethically while they wait and at the onset of services. We’ll explore setting clear expectations, supporting clients in a broad way, and maintaining connection without crossing service boundaries.  They’ll also learn how to offer quick wins once services begin, validate overwhelm without overpromising, and empower families with realistic next steps.

Kathryn Petersen, MA, BCBA, is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and founder of 2 Steps Forward Consulting, where she specializes in helping families navigate autism diagnoses, early intervention, and behavior support with clarity and compassion. With over 15 years of experience, Kathryn has led ABA programs across clinical, home, school, and community settings, including senior roles overseeing multidisciplinary teams in San Diego.

Her global work includes consulting with ABA centers in the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Kenya, and Indonesia through the Global Autism Project, where she served as a regional director and clinical mentor. In 2023, she was honored as a Top Behavioral Health Professional by the San Diego Business Journal.

Kathryn’s approach blends evidence-based practice with empathy, cultural humility, and respect for the family voice. She is passionate about transforming “parent training” into collaborative partnerships rooted in trust, strengths, and shared goals.