My name is Amanda Stewart. As most of you know, my son Nolan was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, along with Sensory and Processing Disorders at the age of 4. Nolan is a good, super smart, kind, sweet, and loving 17-year-old who has unfortunately battled mental health struggles since birth that many people cannot understand. Some of his awkward behaviors and misunderstanding of social cues have caused him to lose friends and endure relentless bullying, which put him into a deep depression causing self-medicating coping skills. We have worked with multiple therapists and psychiatrists throughout the years to help with coping tools and behavioral plans to encourage him to live with his diagnosis to the best of his ability.

Years of ABA therapy, occupational therapy, cognitive therapy, functional doctors, intensive outpatient programs, 30-day programs, paying mostly out of pocket for any program that the insurance deemed unnecessary. We tried emotionally impaired resources within the school district, ultimately transferring him to an EI high school through the Macomb County Intermediate School District. We have exhausted all resources that the county can provide. We have even been denied some services because he has not been hospitalized enough, but they absolutely refuse to hospitalize him (multiple psych ER visits) because he's not actively homicidal or suicidal. They won't even admit him to review his medication. We've seen times of complete clarity, but for the most part, we have been in crisis mode for the past 3 years. Depression, anxiety, frustration, substance abuse, police presence at our home, CPS involvement, him leaving the home unannounced or missing for days at a time. We have seen extreme highs and extreme lows, begging anyone who would hear his story that might be able to offer any type of assistance. Our mental health system is severely broken.

His dad and I have come to a very harsh reality that we can no longer manage his care within the home. Nolan needs long-term care that will provide rigid day-to-day structure and support that will set him up to thrive as an adult. We have researched several facilities, but we were referred to one that we can't pass up on. Optimum Performance Institute in California has the ability and resources to provide exactly what he needs. Providing the tools to cope with his emotions and day-to-day life, medication balance, family therapy, a path to sobriety, setting him up to receive his diploma along with career opportunities, aftercare treatment, and introducing him to a world where he can be successful. These are the tools and resources that I can no longer provide for him. That's all I've ever wanted for him. I've prayed for an opportunity like this to come along. Having children with special needs is a difficult journey but as a mom, I never want to give up hope and I am willing to move heaven and earth to secure his future. He is the one who made me a mom, teaching me patience and unconditional love. I refuse to give up and let him become another statistic.

With that said, I am reaching out to the community for help. Although we will get some coverage through the insurance, it will only cover a portion of the cost, not including travel back and forth to see him. I don't ever want him to feel abandoned or that we are giving up on him. If you are unable to donate, we just ask that you keep him in your thoughts and prayers as he walks through this journey. If you ever want to send him a letter or card showing him your love and support, please reach out to me personally for his new address.

Any funds left over will be donated to a charity that supports our children that suffer from mental health issues. The JED Foundation is one that I've researched. They are a non-profit organization that provides a lifeline for millions of teens and young adults who rely on evidence-based mental health and suicide prevention strategies.

As we walk into Mental Health Awareness month, always remember to be kind because you just never know the shoes that someone may be walking in. It is imperative we make sure no young person ever has to struggle alone.