Non-profit mental health organisation urges communities to better understand and support children facing both developmental and emotional challenges.
LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESS Newswire / December 2, 2025 / Tobinworld Mental Health, a long-standing non-profit dedicated to helping children and teens with developmental disabilities and mental health conditions, is calling for increased awareness and community involvement to support children with dual diagnoses. These are young people who live with both a developmental condition, such as autism, and a mental health disorder like anxiety, depression, or behavioral dysregulation.
"Many families struggle to find help for children who don't fit neatly into one category," said a Tobinworld spokesperson. "We're here to remind the public-and the mental health community-that these children exist, and with the right care, they can thrive."
The Growing Need for Dual Diagnosis Awareness
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 36 children in the United States has been identified with autism spectrum disorder, and research suggests that over 70% of those children also experience a co-occurring mental health condition. Despite this, many treatment programmes are designed for one challenge or the other-not both.
"Children with dual diagnoses are often misunderstood," said a senior clinician at Tobinworld. "Traditional therapy models may not account for their unique needs. That gap can lead to misdiagnosis, frustration, and a sense of failure for both children and parents."
For more than 40 years, Tobinworld has worked to close that gap. Founded by Judith Weber in 1977 to support her son, Tobin, the organisation has evolved into a trusted resource for families across Los Angeles County. Its team specialises in helping children aged 5-21 build coping skills, manage emotions, and develop social confidence-always through compassion and patience.
Why It Matters More Than Ever
The American Psychological Association reports that rates of anxiety and depression in young people have risen nearly 30% over the past decade. Children with developmental disabilities face even higher risk due to communication barriers and social difficulties.
"We've seen children who were turned away elsewhere because their needs were considered too complex," said the clinic's director. "Our philosophy is simple: no child is too complicated for care. We meet them where they are, with the patience and creativity they deserve."
The organisation also stresses the importance of involving parents and caregivers. Research from the National Alliance on Mental Illness shows that children receiving family-inclusive therapy are 65% more likely to show lasting improvement.
"Parents are part of the team," the spokesperson added. "When families learn how to support emotional regulation at home, progress accelerates. Healing isn't something that happens in isolation-it happens together."
A Call to Action: What You Can Do to Help
Tobinworld is asking individuals and communities to play a role in supporting children with developmental and emotional challenges. The organisation encourages everyone-not just mental health professionals-to take small, meaningful actions that foster understanding and inclusion.
Here's how people can help right now:
Educate yourself. Learn about autism and mental health through reputable sources like Autism Speaks, the CDC, or the Child Mind Institute. Awareness reduces stigma.
Listen with empathy. Parents of children with special needs often face judgement and exhaustion. Offering understanding-not solutions-can make a real difference.
Advocate for accessibility. Support schools, clinics, and local programmes that prioritise inclusive education and therapy.
Encourage early intervention. The earlier a child receives help, the better their long-term outcomes. If you notice concerning behaviours, seek professional advice early.
Support community resources. Donations, volunteering, and simple word-of-mouth advocacy help non-profits like Tobinworld continue their work.
"You don't have to work in mental health to make an impact," the spokesperson said. "A small act of understanding can change a child's world. Awareness creates compassion-and compassion leads to action."
About Tobinworld Mental Health
Founded in 2003 by Judith Weber, Tobinworld Mental Health is a non-profit organisation based in Pasadena, California, providing therapy and mental health support to children and teens with developmental disabilities and emotional challenges. Through individual, and family-based services, Tobinworld helps young people build confidence, emotional resilience, and lifelong coping skills. The clinic partners with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health and accepts private insurance to make care accessible to more families.
Take the Next Step
Tobinworld invites parents, educators, and community members to learn more about supporting children with dual diagnoses and to help spread awareness in their own networks.
"Every child deserves the chance to be understood," said the Tobinworld team. "And it starts with all of us choosing to care."
To learn more or get involved, visit www.tobinworld.org or contact us at ContactUs@Tobinworld.org.
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SOURCE: Tobinworld
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