About Us Our Impact How Finn Found his Gifts — and Shared Them With the World

Speaking his language

How Finn Found his Gifts — and Shared Them With the World

When the pandemic exacerbated Finn’s anxieties, the Child Mind Institute helped him overcome his “sticky thoughts.”

Finn's Story

Finn was diagnosed with autism just before his second birthday. Although it was a big, intimidating diagnosis, Finn had the support of his parents and family. Together, they managed Finn’s challenges and celebrated his wins.

But just like for so many families, the pandemic threatened to derail Finn’s progress.

A Turning Point

During lockdown, Finn’s anxieties and fears flared up — and were further agitated by the family’s move from New York to North Carolina. It was then that Finn’s parents sought help from the Child Mind Institute.

Dr. Cynthia Martin, PsyD, the Senior Director of the Autism Center at the Child Mind Institute, became a guiding force in Finn’s journey, offering insight into his diagnosis and tactics to navigate treatment. Finn was able to name and manage his “sticky thoughts”— and with Dr. Martin’s guidance, he built the confidence to throw them away.

“Dr. Martin and the Child Mind Institute figured out how to speak Finn’s language.”

– Finn’s Dad

Our Tailored Approach

Mental health isn’t one size fits all. By creating an environment where Finn’s unique style of communication was not only understood but supported, Dr. Martin helped him regulate his anxieties and express himself authentically. Finn’s parents point to that tailored approach as making all the difference — and creating the space for him to flourish

“He’s built resilience, developed the ability to advocate for himself, and learned how to communicate when he’s feeling challenged. For the first time, he’s able to pursue his interests and passions the way any other 11-year-old boy would.”

– Finn’s Mom

Finding His Gifts

Today, Finn is in middle school. Inspired by his love for animals — particularly his pet frog and his beloved Australian labradoodle, Dancer — Finn dreams of someday becoming a veterinarian. “I like taking care of animals,” he says. “They make me feel happy.”

“He now has the ability to find his gifts,” says Finn’s dad, “and there are places that are ready, willing, and able to accept those amazing gifts.”

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About the Child Mind Institute

Millions of children – as many as 1 in 5 – struggle with mental health or learning challenges. Fully 70% of U.S. counties do not have a single child and adolescent psychiatrist. Due to stigma, misinformation, and a lack of access to care, the average time between onset of symptoms and any treatment at all is over 8 years. Our children deserve better.

That’s why the Child Mind Institute was created.

We’re dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families struggling with mental health and learning disorders by giving them the help they need. We’ve become the leading independent nonprofit in children’s mental health by providing gold-standard evidence-based care, delivering educational resources to millions of families each year, training educators in underserved communities, and developing tomorrow’s breakthrough treatments.

Together, we truly can transform children’s lives.

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To find out if your employer will match your donation and for other enquiries, please contact our development team via phone 646.779.1779 or email developmentinfo@childmind.org.

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Donation Information

Child Mind Institute is a tax-exempt charitable organization (tax identification number 80-0478843) under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Every donation made to the Child Mind Institute is tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. We do not accept funding from the pharmaceutical industry.

Donor Privacy Policy

We will not sell, share or trade our donors’ names or personal information with any other entity, nor send mailings to our donors on behalf of other organizations. This policy applies to all information received by the Child Mind Institute, both online and offline, as well as any electronic, written, or oral communications. To the extent any donations are processed through a third-party service provider, our donors’ information will only be used for purposes necessary to process the donation.

The Child Mind Institute comprises a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Child Mind Institute, Inc., and two clinical programs, Child Mind Medical Practice, PLLC and Child Mind Medical Practice, PC. Donations to the Child Mind Institute are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. The Child Mind Institute does not accept funding from the pharmaceutical industry. Upon request, a copy of our latest annual report can be obtained by contacting the Child Mind Institute at Attention: Development Office, 215 East 50th Street
New York, New York 10022 or by contacting the Charities Bureau of the Office of the Attorney General at 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271.

More Ways to Support Children's Mental Health

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