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

Jan 30, 2026 at 12-2pm EST

Free Live Webinar (CEUs for purchase; included free for members)

*Recording is typically released 3 days after live event.

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.

By rethinking our role in the diagnostic-to-service gap, we can shift from often being seen as disconnected to becoming a trusted and supportive partner in a family’s journey.

Learning Objectives
Identify common barriers families face during the post-diagnosis, pre-services gap and describe how these factors impact treatment planning and service engagement.
Demonstrate ethical strategies for supporting families while they move through the diagnostic-to-service gap.
Identify at least 2 ways to apply family-centered, evidence-based strategies once services begin.
Describe strategies for setting clear expectations and communicating boundaries with families who are waiting for services in order to reduce frustration and increase trust in the provider.
Identify at least two ways BCBAs can collaborate with other professionals and community resources during the pre-services period to help families feel supported without providing individualized treatment.

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.