The Nebraska Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee meeting on September 5, 2025, spotlighted the pressing issue of access to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services for children with developmental needs. A key discussion point was the significant wait times families face in obtaining evaluations and diagnoses, which can stretch from nine months to a year. This delay is critical, as services cannot begin until a diagnosis is secured.

Providers emphasized their commitment to reducing these wait times, noting that while there are more immediate services available for toddlers, school-aged children often face years of waiting for necessary interventions. The goal of ABA services is to prepare children for success in school and social environments, with providers aiming to limit the duration of therapy as children progress.

The meeting also highlighted the expansion of ABA services across Nebraska, with new clinics opening in various locations to better serve families. However, the sustainability of these services remains a challenge, as providers rely on grants and donations to cover initial costs and ongoing expenses.

In a broader context, the challenges faced in Nebraska reflect a nationwide trend in the availability of ABA services, indicating that the issues are not isolated to the state. The committee's discussions underscored the urgent need for systemic improvements to ensure timely access to essential services for children and their families.