CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Corpus Christi Police Department said it has notified the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services regarding a child who was involved in several vehicle accidents this week.
On Monday the boy caused a series of accidents at different locations, until reaching a McDonald's parking lot off of Kostoryz Road and SPID with his family's truck.
Then again, Wednesday night officers responded to the H-E-B parking lot on Kostoryz, when the same child was found to be behind the wheel of a pink car.
Luckily there were no injuries.
Police say no tickets were issued at those scenes and detectives are working with CPS to see if any charges will be filed in the future.
The child behind the wheel is described as having intellectual disabilities.
3NEWS spoke with the Nueces Center for Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities which provided valuable information for parents.
For families of a child who is living with autism or an intellectual disability, it can be a heart-stopping experience when the child's actions put themselves or others in danger.
"Every situation is different, but for families experiencing this it can be very lonely," said MHID Crisis Program Supervisor Mark Morris.
He said by the time they're contacted, things have already escalated to a point of crisis. He would like to see that change by seeing families contact the center sooner.
"So they don't end up getting involved with the criminal justice system, being sent to an institution, hospital or jail, the earlier somebody reaches out as soon as they start to see a change in behavior, reach out then," he said.
Morris is also hoping to help break the stigma that surrounds those with a intellectual disability.
"Because everybody deserves a chance," he said.
He said the center offers a variety of services for people of all ages and the support parents need including a strong crisis team.
"Which can respond to any type of crisis, help deescalate the situation, provide skills, training to help parents and the individuals them self learn how to cope with the situation or stressors with the family or home," he said.
Morris wants to make sure the community knows the organization is there to help and he encourages families to get loved ones on their list as soon as possible.
"Even if you are not sure if there is an intellectual disability or autism or anything get them on the list as early as possible so they can access those sooner rather than later," he said.
The services provided at the center are also Medicaid waiver programs.
"Sometimes including a housing option for the program which might work out for families if they aren't able to have the individuals live in their home anymore," he said.
MHID has a long list of helpful contacts including a crisis hotline at 1 (888) 767-4493.
For more information click here.