M.I.K.I.D.’s history stemmed from one individual’s overwhelming concern for the lack of services provided for children in the mental health field and the many serious issues that were not being properly addressed. This individual, Ms. Sue Gilbertson, began her quest in 1984 when her son, Eric, was diagnosed with mental illness. In trying to get assistance for her son, Ms. Gilbertson found herself amidst a conventional medical community that was simply not equipped to handle the problems her son was facing. Ms. Gilbertson came to realize that her struggles were not isolated events and took on the responsibility of uniting families, naming the group M.I.K.I.D. and working together to help build a better mental health system for children. Through these efforts, families had their very first meeting and support group on March 11, 1987.