LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Fernanda Mitchell, a mom of 4, is advocating for Latino households with particular wants kids as the brand new college 12 months begins.
Mitchell is championing psychological well being and particular wants consciousness inside the Latino group, drawing from her private expertise.
Mitchell’s journey started in Hermosillo, Mexico, and led her to grow to be a psychological well being skilled in america.
“I believe everything happens for a perfect reason,” mentioned Fernanda Mitchell, reflecting on her journey.
Regardless of her expertise working at a behavioral heart in Las Vegas, Mitchell felt misplaced when her son, Semaj, was recognized with autism whereas she was working as a director at a behavioral heart.
“From being a mental health provider to being a mom and going through the process, it was completely different,” Mitchell defined.
She acknowledges the challenges Latino households face in accessing companies for autistic kids, notably on account of language obstacles and a lack of information.
Mitchell spends her free time educating Spanish-speaking households about early intervention and infrequently makes calls to medical doctors’ workplaces for households going through language obstacles or deportation fears.
She collaborates with teams throughout the valley to enhance entry to psychological well being companies, the place she sees a big hole.
Mitchell emphasizes the significance of hope and group, stating, “It’s very important to believe there’s some hope—if we get together, we can make some change.”
Mitchell’s advocacy highlights the necessity for improved help for Latino households with autistic kids, notably in instructional settings.
Her efforts goal to bridge the hole in companies and consciousness, providing hope and empowerment to households going through comparable challenges.
Mitchell can be creating a hoodie designed for teenagers with and with out problems to help them whereas present process emotional or sensory crises. It is referred to as Vibe Hug. Mitchell mentioned the hoodie is in comparison with a mild hug or being tightly wrapped. It is at present on Kickstarter to assist fund her challenge.
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