Sometimes a child’s symptoms are so severe that parents feel overwhelmed or even paralyzed about what to do next. Crisis can arise at any time. When you are in crisis, it may feel like you are stuck in quicksand. If you find yourself in “Crisis Quicksand”, take it moment by moment. Below are more resources for families in crisis.
Be prepared in advance if you can. Learn strategies to de-escalate crisis situations and behavior support techniques from clinicians or trusted autism support organizations. Some organizations provide parent educational workshops, webinars, or manuals focusing on crisis management that can dramatically reduce chaotic situations at later times.
Supportive Ideas and Thoughts from Real Families That Have “Been There”
Please know that you are not alone. Lots of parents and caregivers have been in similar situations. We’ve asked other parents who have been there what they have done to get out of crisis. In our “Crisis Tip Sheet”, these families share their wisdom with you, providing their own insights on how they moved through crisis situations to continue their child’s healing journey.
Resources for Families in Crisis
Here are more resources to help you in a time of crisis:
In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you or someone you know is in immediate danger. Share your child’s emergency profile with local first responders beforehand, so police and Emergency Medical Servies (EMS) arrive with awareness of communication needs and sensory sensitivities.
If Suicide or Suicidal Ideation Is a Concern
- If suicide or suicidal ideation is a concern, text or call 988. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a 24-hour, confidential suicide and crisis helpline; trained responders will connect you to local services. They also provide guidance for individuals who are neurodivergent in the U.S., such as those with autism. You can also call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to connect with crisis workers available 24/7.
- You can send a text (US) to 741741 to the Mental Health Crisis Text Line – type HOME (in the message box) to connect with a trained crisis counselor via text. This service is also confidential, available 24/7, and no phone call is required. Some neurodivergent people find this a more comfortable means of communication than spoken calls.
- The National Institutes of Mental Health have developed 5 concrete steps that you can use when supporting someone that is suicidal. Read their 5 steps here.
For General Crisis
For general crisis support call 211 or visit 221.org. This hotline can help you if you need food, shelter, physical or mental health resources (including crisis intervention resources) and suicide prevention.
For Autism-Specific Helplines
The following helplines are autism-specific helplines (not 24/7 crisis hotlines) that can help you find local resources, support or crisis guidance during office hours:
- The Autism Response Team (ART) of Autism Speaks offers personalized guidance on navigating services, crisis planning, and community supports Monday–Friday, 9 am–5 pm (all U.S. time zones):
- English: 1-888-AUTISM2 (that’s 1-888-288-4762)
- En Español: 1-888-772-9050
- Email is also an option: FamilyServices@autismspeaks.org
Crisis Support Services Vary Quite a Bit by State
A quick internet search for an “Autism Crisis Center [your city, county or state]” could be a good starting place to find out if any of these types of services are available to you (contact information will depend on state and program region):
- Centers specialized in autism behavioral support programs that help keep families intact and reduce risk of out-of-home placement.
- Mobile Response & Stabilization Services (MRSS) – that can respond to behavioral crises at home and help de-escalate situations without immediate hospitalization are available in some states, such as Community Bridges Inc. in Arizona, Oklahoma and Idaho.
- REACH (Regional, Education, Assessment, Crisis Services, Habilitation) is a regional type of service, popular in Virginia, that provides crisis intervention and stabilization for individuals with developmental disabilities including autism, helping to avoid hospitalization where possible.
- Do not hesitate to contact Behavioral Health Providers. If you are working with a behavioral health provider that you trust, be sure to contact them and keep them informed of your situation.
- If you need help finding a behavioral health provider, you can contact your private insurance company or state-sponsored insurance program to get a list of providers that may be available to you. Your Primary Care Provider (PCP) may have some resources to offer you too.
National Resources for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Challenges
Some federal agencies offer resources for identifying health care providers and help in finding low-cost health services. These include but are not limited to:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): To locate treatment services in your area, call SAMHSA’s toll-free National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). SAMHSA also has a Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator to find local behavioral health support and referrals for substance use treatment, which is available in English and Spanish. If hearing impaired, call 1-800-487-4889.
- Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA): HRSA can help families find affordable healthcare, including health centers that offer care on a sliding fee scale.
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS): CMS has information about how to enroll in these federally sponsored health care programs.
Patient Advocacy and Support
If your child has been hospitalized, or if you are having trouble navigating the medical system, consider working with a patient advocate. The Patient Advocate Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports families and individuals dealing with sickness and disability, and they help ensure access to quality care.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), a grassroots mental health support and advocacy organization, has a resource directory available online, which includes a large body of resources for parents, including help for parents of teens dealing with mental health challenges. NAMI also sponsors support groups for families affected by mental illness.
Tools for Overcoming Trauma from Prior Crises
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is very common in families that have had to deal with medical crises and mental health crises. If you are working to overcome trauma related to past crises, some helpful tools to consider include but are not limited to:
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing)
- EFT (the Emotional Freedom Technique), also known as tapping
- Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Cognitive Processing Therapy
- Somatic experiencing
- Polyvagal informed work
- Internal Family Systems
- Physiologic regulation through breathwork
- Other calming techniques
Still Looking for Answers?
Visit the Documenting Hope Practitioner Directory to find a practitioner near you.
Join us inside our online membership community for parents, Healing Together, where you’ll find even more healing resources, expert guidance, and a community to support you every step of your child’s healing journey.
