A Cry Of Bedlam Autistic Man’s Loved Ones Fearful Of His Confinement At Eastern

An autistic man will stay in Eastern State Hospital indefinitely - even though the mental hospital provides no services specifically for people with autism.

Michael DeRyan, 36, was sent to Eastern State by Sacred Heart Medical Center about 15 months ago, after he lashed out in an adult family home.

Since then, his family and friends have tried to get him released to another home. They say Eastern isn’t appropriate for DeRyan, who likes to move around freely. He was injured last month when staff members restrained him as he tried to leave his ward.

“He’s not a monster,” said Judy DeRyan, his mother. “He’s a very fine man. He’s always been gentle. He never was combative or assaultive as a child or a teenager. He’s learned that in licensed institutions.”

Many experts agree that a mental hospital isn’t the best place for a person with autism. The state Division of Developmental Disabilities aims to house disabled people in the least restrictive place possible.

State officials have said that DeRyan doesn’t belong in a mental hospital, but they aren’t sure where he does belong or how to pay for his care.

On Tuesday, advocates for DeRyan met with officials from the Division of Developmental Disabilities and from Eastern. Judy DeRyan hoped her son would be released into the home of a woman who is willing to take him.

He wasn’t. Eastern officials say DeRyan doesn’t meet hospital discharge requirements. Now, DeRyan will probably be evaluated by two autism experts who could recommend another living situation.

Those recommendations could influence Eastern’s treatment plan. Or they could provide ammunition for Judy DeRyan to get a court order releasing her son.

“I’m feeling pretty low about it,” she said. “I’m worried about my son.”

Autism is a developmental disorder that hits about one child in 1,000. People with autism sometimes stare into space for hours, shy away from touch and people, and throw uncontrollable tantrums. They often don’t respond well to directions.

Some people with autism have islands of ability, remarkably gifted in areas such as math or art.

DeRyan will probably be sent to the Frances Haddon Morgan Center in Bremerton for the evaluation, but not until August or September.

Eastern Superintendent C. Jan Gregg said she couldn’t speak specifically about DeRyan because of patient confidentiality. But she did say a treatment plan and a discharge plan are formed for every patient admitted.

“We cannot go against medical advice, as far as discharging someone,” she said.

The hospital has no specific programs for people with autism but does have psychiatrists who can treat the disability, Gregg said. DeRyan is Eastern’s only patient known to have autism.

Gregg also said the hospital is conducting an investigation into the incident June 20 when DeRyan was physically restrained by staff members when he tried to leave the ward without permission. His face was bruised and scraped.

Judy DeRyan said she doesn’t understand why her son can’t be released to the home of Rhoda Behrens, a former president of the Washington Autism Society who has adopted four children with special needs, including two with autism.

Both Judy DeRyan and Behrens said Michael DeRyan is becoming more depressed. Behrens visits him almost once a week. During the last visit, he asked if he could leave with her.

“He actually asked me for a hug goodbye,” Behrens said. “He’s just feeling so frustrated. He needs out of there. There’s no question of that.”

, DataTimes