Op-Ed: Ryan Gainer’s Tragic Death Highlights Systemic Failures and Calls for Change in Neurodivergent Support

By Leah Stuart

Ryan Gainer’s Story

On March 9th, 2024, the Inland Empire faced a tragic loss. That afternoon, 15-year-old Ryan Gainer, diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, was at home when he became physically violent. A family member, overwhelmed by the situation, called 911 for help. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department had previously responded to calls about Ryan five times, and he had been taken to a mental health facility before, San Bernardino Sheriff Shannon Dicus said in news reports. He indicated that there was no force used in previous interactions with the teen. However, this time, when deputies arrived, Ryan ran towards them with a five-foot-long gardening tool. Within seconds, the officers drew their guns, ordered him to “get back,” and then fatally shot him.

Systemic Issues

Ryan’s death is a painful reminder of the systemic failures in our community’s support for individuals with social and behavioral health disorders. Neurodivergent individuals like Ryan, are part of the 20% of our community, whose brains process information differently, bringing both strengths and challenges. Some examples of neurodivergence include, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Dyslexia, and Tourette Syndrome. They rely on a network of services, including schools, healthcare providers, therapists, and emergency response teams. Yet, these systems are often under-resourced and lack proper training in dealing with neurodivergent individuals, leaving families like the Gainers to navigate an overwhelming and often inadequate support structure.

The gaps in these systems can have devastating consequences, as seen in Ryan’s tragic death. This incident should serve as a wake-up call. If we don’t address the systemic issues that contributed to this tragedy, we cannot expect change. As a parent and community Autism advocate with lived personal experiences, I  know these realities all too well. 

The Solution

Fortunately, there is hope when neurodivergent individuals are provided with appropriate services, well-trained staff, and data-driven de-escalation practices. On September 12th, the City of Riverside, in collaboration with Inland SoCal United Way, 211 and area mental health advocates, will launch an initiative to achieve an Autism Certified City (ACC) designation. This designation, awarded by the International Board of Credentialing of Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), is given to communities where key stakeholders—including healthcare, education, local government, and corporate organizations—are trained and certified to better serve individuals with neurodivergence, including sensory processing sensitivities.

The ACC program goes beyond just training city employees; it aims to ensure that individuals with neurodivergent needs have access to knowledgeable and trained professionals in all areas of life. To achieve this, a critical mass of community stakeholders must complete the Certified Autism Center (CAC) organizational designation. This certification requires at least 80% of public-facing staff to undergo training and certification in autism and sensory differences, ensuring they are better prepared to serve everyone, including those with specific needs. Should Riverside earn an Autism Certified City designation, we would be the first in California and only the second city nationally. 

The certification process is inexpensive, online, self-paced and includes an onsite review that must be renewed every two years, with updated training for staff. IBCCES, an independent credentialing organization founded in 2001, provides this specialized training to improve the experiences and outcomes for autistic and neurodivergent individuals. They operate in more than 90 countries globally, striving to build understanding, improve processes, and ensure professionals have the tools and strategies necessary to engage effectively with neurodiverse populations.

With 1 in 36 children diagnosed with autism and 1 in 6 individuals having a sensory need or sensitivity, this initiative is vital. The goal is to ensure that both visitors and residents of Riverside have positive experiences when interacting with trained community stakeholders. By improving the quality of life for neurodivergent individuals, we can create a more inclusive and supportive community. 

If you would like to learn more about becoming an Autism Certified Center and become part of the solution please use the QR below. I look forward to sharing updates as we work toward this important goal.