A group of Orange County parents attended a conference in Sacramento hosted by Disability Voices United to address issues surrounding mental health care for children with developmental disabilities. Among them was single mom Christine LyBurtus, who had to move her autistic son into a state-operated facility due to lack of support. California has seen an increase in children with complex needs requiring crisis services.
Specialized facilities for autistic youth with mental health conditions are limited, leading families to seek placements out of state. Mental health workers often lack training to work with individuals with disabilities, and the shortage of psychiatric beds contributes to the problem. The Supreme Court ruled against institutionalizing people with disabilities if they can live in the community, but finding appropriate services remains a challenge.
California has established crisis prevention teams to keep children at home, but gaps in services persist. Advocates emphasize the importance of providing constant support at home to prevent costly out-of-home care. However, staffing shortages and inadequate provider rates continue to hinder access to in-home care. The lack of support for autistic youth, especially during puberty, can lead to worsening conditions if not addressed.
Efforts are being made to improve services for individuals with developmental disabilities, but more needs to be done to ensure that families can access the support they need to keep their loved ones at home. Collaboration between mental health providers and disability services is essential to address the complex needs of autistic youth and prevent the need for out-of-state placements.
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