Families of young children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) experience challenges that may be exacerbated by challenging behavior (CB) and a lack of specialized support services. While waiting for services, families must implement strategies on their own, while taking arduous steps to access supports to eventually meet their needs. Through an online survey, 60 families reported on their experiences managing CBs in the absence of specialized services, including strategies adopted, challenges encountered in implementing interventions, perceptions regarding their efficacy, steps taken to access services, and needs in terms of specialized services and external supports. More than half reported feeling inadequate to the task. These families identified needs in relation to both technical and psychological support. We suggest options that could be offered to families waiting for services to strengthen the sense of parental competence, help to better manage CBs with parent-mediated interventions, and support families' psychological well-being.