Making some proactive long-term life, mental health decisions: opening door for support from those with the excess financial resources who care enough to hook up their credit card

This go-fund-me is for the explicit costs of ASSESSMENT to determine a diagnosis that would give my self-employment existence dynamic a semi-safety net

If your heart is wrenched open / by some miracle this funding goal is fully met: all overflow $$$ will be going towards my animated short film "Depression's Demonic Duration"

Even if your not interested in donating I'd be happy if you read this #update of all things cookerzilla & joshowenfilmz

UPDATE: I'm considering an ASD / ADHD combined assessment now with local psychologist who have been recommended to me.

1) INTRO

I'm an lifelong #animation #astrology #videogame artist and almost 8+ year self-employed business owner working / living in Mi’kma’ki (nova scotia)

I've had the word "unique" chucked at me many times in my life.

Depending on who says it: it either feels good or it feels absolutely terrible.

Recently, thanks to a newer friend who made me feel the opposite of terrible: I discovered the term "Neurodivergent"

My childhood was witness to a mental health system that could not help my mother who took her own life in 2009: this trauma made me reject the entire system, the science and rapidly evolving global internet conversations.

But because of the way this friend said "you might want to look into it"

I shifted... They weren't pointing a finger at me, they were extending an open hand.

Once I began to read articles discussing "neurodivergence" and its counter-part of "neurotypicality" My heart sank into a pit of despair

I discovered aspects of my form of "unique" was not wholeheartedly unique.

And when I say my heart sank, i mean it smashed through the floorboards...

But what changed was that I now had access to shared vocabulary- the since elementary school AWOL feeling got some data coordinates.

I felt a sense of community: I was not alone.

2) ADHD / ASD : Where I'm at now

Adult's experience this disorders differently than children: they are lifelong but as we age, the impact of the symptoms become more intense- the PHYSICAL effects of mental health are no longer hidden under the vigours of youth

With my artistic career and business ventures I've been fortunate in many ways but also have paid high tolls for "faking it until i make it".

The @COOKERZILLA artist journey, after a rocket fueled alphabetical string of short films hit a very hard brickwall that I believe to be a form of "autistic burnout" due to an irresponsibility to the special needs of someone operating with the weight of extra cargo that is ADHD / ASD...

My #JOSHOWENFILMZ Location Sound Recording, editing business became my biggest supporter as it enabled self sustainability and a sense of gratification. And when I say the business is my biggest supporter I mean the people who see my form of "unique" and have me on their team.

This past 5 years I've been able to process and come to terms with my trauma, mental health needs on a very long healing journey: I'm trying to make this next half of the decade very different and 2026 has been proving to be the shift I prayed for- but it's been asking me to work to make that shift happen.

3) Lets talk about this GoFundMe

I am currently considering this psychologist for an Adult Autism Assessment

Originally I was considering NDPsyche.com's "Extended Assessment" for a cost of $4425 , with ADHD add-on of $1125

Now I've just been reccomended a local Halifax option with https://www.illumepsych.com/start-your-journey - who will soon advise me on their cost and ability to service my needs...

UPDATE: I just canceled Beyond ADHD as I'm learning they are not appropriate for my case... I am now looking for single psychologist for both ADHD / ASD assessment... all funds will go towards that.

NOTE: GoFundMe takes 2.9% and 0.30 cents per donation which is why I made goal of $3750 to account for extra fee / taxes.

4) Why this will make a difference

These diagnoses could grant me as access to lifelong support that could account retroactively up to 10 years of living with (what I believe to be) these disorders which would provide some relief: specifically for a self-employed sole proprietorship / independent artist

My financial situation is a product of "fake it until you make it" as I've invested in the equipment, availability to provide freelance services. I have no safety net- but as I learn more about the support available for those with these conditions I see a responsible path forward that cuts out the "fake it" part...

Lastly: this is my first time ever asking for support via internet for a personal matter- and I intend to go through with this service irregardless of GoFundMe Support

My goal Is to invert the stigma of these "disorders" into a discussion about the crucial vitality that unique people provide in our world.

Thank you for your consideration and time reading this plea for your support.

You can also support via my #podcast Patreon / KoFi on my website

Much love,

Josherz