Katy Bohn

As many of you know I have been living for the last three years with my best friend, Stacey (Bohnie) and her 12-year-old daughter, Katy (Bitty). While we are using each other to maintain a home and comfortable life for us, this past year and a half have been exceptionally challenging.

Bitty has struggled with autism, ADHD and various other behavioral and mental health problems most of her life. While love, affection and some therapy have been enough to get her through the earlier years she is now in puberty and the struggle has become very real. Since January 2023 we have had the police to our home more than ten times to diffuse violent situations that Bohnie and I couldn’t get under control. We have had damage to our home, property and each of us has suffered scratches and bruises. Those are just the outward scars. Emotionally we came to a crossroads.

In June we admitted Bitty to a mental health hospital to better access her mental health and come up with a new “cocktail” of medications. During these two visits, the doctors diagnosed her with Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD or ED), Autism Spectrum Disorder with Irritability, Major Depressive Disorder as well as Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I know it’s a lot! DMDD or ED as it’s referred to is a general umbrella for kids they believe are Bi-Polar yet it’s too early to make a diagnosis without age or long-term observation care. Trying to take this all in and make decisions has been grueling for us.

We decided to find a residential camp for kids like her. You would think it would be easy with all of the mental health problems in the world today. Unfortunately, you would be incorrect. Due to her age and aggressive background, we were not able to find any program in the state of Texas. Then the research expanded to the entire US. We ultimately found a camp-like facility in Tennessee. The program for her type of diagnosis and age can be from 5-12 months. Some longer but few shorter. Lucky for us Bohnie’s insurance will cover most of the first 60 days. After that, she is discharged without completing the program or the family can opt to private pay. They haven’t given us the exact number yet but generally runs between $700-$1100 a day for her care.

I also mentioned that this camp is in Tennessee. We live in Texas and she is only 12. So we have reached out to family and friends to help with housing while visiting her and participating in counseling activities. This doesn’t cover travel or meals. We have gotten some commitments from family to help with expenses and medical bills, but it’s a lot to burden just a few people.

I have never reached out for assistance like this for me or anyone for that matter but I will do just about anything for my Bitty. This is maybe her only chance for a somewhat normal life. She has been robbed of her childhood and we want to give her as much of a normal adolescence as possible. If you can assist in any way it would be greatly appreciated and well used.

I will continue to post updates on her progress as we climb this uphill journey.

Thank you for anything you can contribute and prayers are always welcome.

Dianna on behalf of Stacey and Katy