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Ruth Johnston shares her harrowing journey as the mother of an autistic son who developed schizophrenia, and how this experience drove her to advocate for Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania following a family tragedy.

• Ruth's son was diagnosed with autism as a teenager, after she had already been homeschooling him for years

• Around age 13, he began showing signs of developing schizophrenia, though it took a decade to recognize the condition

• Current laws prevented intervention despite clear evidence of his deteriorating mental state

• Expert testimony revealed 5-34% of autistic individuals may develop schizophrenia as adults

• Anosognosia (inability to recognize one's own mental illness) prevents many from seeking help voluntarily

• AOT programs allow civil courts to mandate treatment before dangerous situations occur

• The "black robe effect" of a judge's order can help individuals comply with treatment

• Modern medications like Abilify can dramatically improve quality of life without severe side effects

• Patient advocacy groups often oppose AOT but don't represent those with severe schizophrenia

• Ruth founded AOT4AlleghenyCounty.com to advocate for these needed programs

To learn more about Ruth Johnston's advocacy efforts or to get involved, visit AOT4AlleghenyCounty.com or email AOT4AlleghenyCounty@gmail.com.



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intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild

Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)



The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. 

The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.

Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.

Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.

Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk. 

Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided.

https://tonymantor.com
https://Facebook.com/tonymantor
https://instagram.com/tonymantor
https://twitter.com/tonymantor
https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic
intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild
Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

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Ruth Johnston shares her harrowing journey as the mother of an autistic son who developed schizophrenia, and how this experience drove her to advocate for Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania following a family tragedy.
• Ruth&apos;s son was diagnosed with autism as a teenager, after she had already been homeschooling him for years 
• Around age 13, he began showing signs of developing schizophrenia, though it took a decade to recognize the condition 
• Current laws prevented intervention despite clear evidence of his deteriorating mental state 
• Expert testimony revealed 5-34% of autistic individuals may develop schizophrenia as adults 
• Anosognosia (inability to recognize one&apos;s own mental illness) prevents many from seeking help voluntarily 
• AOT programs allow civil courts to mandate treatment before dangerous situations occur 
• The &quot;black robe effect&quot; of a judge&apos;s order can help individuals comply with treatment 
• Modern medications like Abilify can dramatically improve quality of life without severe side effects 
• Patient advocacy groups often oppose AOT but don&apos;t represent those with severe schizophrenia 
• Ruth founded AOT4AlleghenyCounty.com to advocate for these needed programs
To learn more about Ruth Johnston&apos;s advocacy efforts or to get involved, visit AOT4AlleghenyCounty.com or email AOT4AlleghenyCounty@gmail.com.
 
https://tonymantor.com 
https://Facebook.com/tonymantor 
https://instagram.com/tonymantor 
https://twitter.com/tonymantor 
https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic 
intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild 
Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)
The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.Reliance on this podcast&apos;s contents is at the listener&apos;s own risk. Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided.https://tonymantor.com https://Facebook.com/tonymantor https://instagram.com/tonymantor https://twitter.com/tonymantor https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

Autism, Mental Health, Advocacy & Human Stories.

Embracing Autism/Mental Health Worldwide.

Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition affecting millions worldwide, characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Despite increasing recognition, there remains a lack of understanding and awareness about the condition. 

Mental health encompasses a range of conditions impacting emotional, psychological, and social well-being, affecting millions globally. It includes disorders like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and psychosis. Schizophrenia is marked by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking, while psychosis involves a loss of contact with reality, often presenting with similar symptoms. 

Despite growing awareness, stigma and misconceptions about mental health, particularly schizophrenia and psychosis, persist, underscoring the need for greater understanding and support. 

From celebrating neurodiversity to breaking down stigma, we create a safe space for listeners to learn, grow, and feel seen. 

Whether you're on the spectrum, a caregiver, or an advocate, join our global community for inspiring conversations and empowering resources that uplift and unite. 

Tune in to embrace understanding, healing, and hope worldwide! 

Together, we can create a more informed and compassionate society for individuals with Autism and Mental Illness.

Autism, Mental Health, Advocacy &amp; Human Stories.Embracing Autism/Mental Health Worldwide.Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition affecting millions worldwide, characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Despite increasing recognition, there remains a lack of understanding and awareness about the condition.&nbsp;Mental health encompasses a range of conditions impacting emotional, psychological, and social well-being, affecting millions globally. It includes disorders like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and psychosis. Schizophrenia is marked by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking, while psychosis involves a loss of contact with reality, often presenting with similar symptoms.&nbsp;Despite growing awareness, stigma and misconceptions about mental health, particularly schizophrenia and psychosis, persist, underscoring the need for greater understanding and support.&nbsp;From celebrating neurodiversity to breaking down stigma, we create a safe space for listeners to learn, grow, and feel seen.&nbsp;Whether you're on the spectrum, a caregiver, or an advocate, join our global community for inspiring conversations and empowering resources that uplift and unite.&nbsp;Tune in to embrace understanding, healing, and hope worldwide!&nbsp;Together, we can create a more informed and compassionate society for individuals with Autism and Mental Illness.

Tony Mantor: Why Not Me ?

Ruth Johnston: Autism and Schizophrenia: A Mother's Fight for Change

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/37314672-83e3-4dc2-893f-b4710102eec8/transcript