We are deeply saddened by the death of Judson Albahm amid his mental health crisis. We are proud of Judson for his forethought in seeking help in facing his challenges and disappointed that he could not find the help he needed. Central New York families are sadly familiar with the struggle to access appropriate mental health care. We mourn with Judson’s family and join with them in calling for the marshaling of resources to adequately care for vulnerable members of our community like Judson.
The closures of outpatient mental health facilities in Onondaga County have left families adrift as they seek help for their loved ones and for themselves. The inadequate understanding of the needs of autistic people further leaves people like Judson with limited options for treatment or support during a crisis.
We encourage families in crisis to reach out to Upstate University Hospital’s Emergency Psychiatry Service, located at the downtown campus, for care.
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In service,
Sanchia A. Callender, Inc
Autism Mental Health Initiative Advisory Council
Parents for Public Schools of Syracuse, Inc
Neurodiversity Consulting LLC
The Academy of Excellence, Inc
Joshua Michael King for Students
Masking and Kompany

 See the latest article from CEO Samantha Pierce about building resilient students and educators published in the September issue of Family Times magazine.
Transforming Tragedies: An effort to build resilience to trauma in school

Join us for the Autism and Mental Health Symposium June 9, 2018 to explore barriers to access to mental healthcare for people on the autism spectrum. Register here.

​It’s well established in research literature that people with autism and related disorders have an increased vulnerability to mental health challenges. Despite this fact the mental health resources available to autistic people and their families in their communities are limited. In Onondaga County the clinician to patient ration in mental health is 1 to 202. In that number few are able or willing to meet the mental healthcare needs of autistic people. Families and individuals are left with little or no options for addressing their mental health care needs. We can do better.

Register now for our Autism and Mental Health Symposium to explore the barriers to access. Be part of the solution.