The Crisis for IDD in Washington State
The lack of home and community-based services and supports for our high-needs autism and/or IDD population who experience significant challenging behaviors in Washington has reached a crisis. Individuals in the underserved population and their families are often isolated, excluded and suffering in silence. Their high needs and significant safety concerns exceed what overwhelmed parents and families can safely provide in the family home.
Parents are told to call 911 or take their loved one directly to the emergency department.
Most EDs are not equipped to handle the IDD population experiencing challenging behaviors.
If psychiatric inpatient placement is deemed necessary:
No placement available
Inappropriate hospital/medical stay
Physical and/or pharmaceutical restraints used
Return home unsafe with overwhelmed parents
Cycle repeats
Traumatizing impact on the individual and family
“There is nowhere to go when my child is experiencing a behavior crisis.” (Fear, society does not care, hopelessness)
Out-of-state placement