"We're both sort of like fighting together," Ms Abi told the disability royal commission, with the drawing in front of her.

"We sort of feel like we're not heard, when you're shuffled around different wards."

For Ms Abi, the drawing dramatically depicts what the past two years have been like trying to get the health treatment Philip needs.

The 15-year-old, who can't wait to get his driver's licence, has attempted suicide a number of times.

Philip, who like his 12-year-old brother Giovanni has autism, wanted to talk to the royal commission himself before deciding to leave it to his mum.

Appearing on Friday at the Sydney hearing into health care for people with cognitive disability, Ms Abi recalled the traumatic experience of Philip's first hospital admission.

Extending her hands in front of her as if reaching for someone, Ms Abi said they had to wait for hours before he was taken to an adolescent mental health ward.

"He was sicker than he had ever been, closer to death than he had ever been, and he was being taken away from me. I wish I could have stayed with him."

Philip had been seeing a psychologist since year five, when "a little black cloud started hovering over him".

He has had several stays at mental health facilities, which Ms Abi said were at times "no good at looking after my son".

The Nine journalist and mum of three has written about her family's experiences in an attempt to remove the stigma associated with mental illness.

"We discuss it openly like any other medical issue in our family, friendship circles, everywhere."

Ms Abi said Philip has now started to get the treatment he needs.

But it has been challenging accessing appropriate mental health care for Philip, and health care generally for him and Giovanni.

"I want everything for them. They deserve an education. They deserve good care. They deserve a great life."

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Australian Associated Press