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.”
