ORLANDO, Fla. — It can be extremely hard for parents here in Florida to get their kids the help that they need.

According to Florida Health, there are about 400,000 kids dealing with emotional, behavioral and developmental challenges. But only half of them can access the resources they need.

It’s a problem the Children’s Home Society of Florida is working to fix, breaking down these barriers with programs like Targeted Case Management.

Judith Lohmar loves to play video games with her 15-year-old son, Raymond.

It’s a way for both of them to de-stress, together.

“He knows that the world is a little more challenging for him, but he never gives up, and I think that makes him incredibly special for me,” said Lohmar.

Lohmar says shortly after Raymond was born, she noticed he wasn’t hitting milestones when he was supposed to.

“It took him until he was almost six, I think, to be able to say even one word to me,” said Lohmar.

She immediately became his advocate, trying to find ways to get him the help he needed.

“I have always been a fighter for him,” Lohmar said. “I have always on the phone. If I am not working, I am always on the phone for something that he needs or wants, that the system should be getting him. I shouldn’t have to fight like that.”

She said it took them years to get him diagnosed with an intellectual disability and autism, leaving her feeling overlooked by doctors and unable to get her son help while he struggled in school.

“His behavior and his health issues did get worse,” said Lohmar.

Eventually, Raymond’s doctor referred them to the Children’s Home Society of Florida, where they were connected to Targeted Case Manager Teanna Lahens. She said this is a scenario she sees all too often.

“Targeted Case Management stops that from happening, because a big part of what we do is advocating for the families that we work with and for the children and just our clients in general. We help families navigate these services and resources and become a voice for them,” she said.

So far, she says the TCM program has helped 411 families like the Lohmars, as they work to raise awareness surrounding how services can be accessed. 

“I feel like there is a lot of help out there. It’s just, however, not a lot of people know about,” said Lahens.

As for Lohmar, she’s worked with Lahens to get Raymond into specialized schools and programs.

“I really honestly couldn’t imagine our life without her,” said Lohmar.

Now, thanks to CHS, she feels hopeful for the future, and hopes other parents have a chance to experience the same.

“If you feel like you are fighting against the world, don’t give up,” said Lohmar.

To fill out a Targeted Case Management program referral form, do so online.