Hi everyone,

My name is Dante. I'm an almost 30 year old individual and I've been struggling for about the majority of it.

I've been home for about 5 years, unemployed and live with a minimum income from the social security. I'm embarrassed, poor and I can't seem to get out of this loop. But the thing is, I really want to work. I'm not lazy, I'm overwhelmed.

That's why I've set up this fundraiser to help me pay for a autism diagnosis. I feel like there's something "off" with me and that might be the reason I'm not able to work a full time job.

I'm jealous of my peers, I'm tired of hearing from parental figures or other adults that I need to "get over it". I'm tired to over explain myself why I can't do certain things. And most of all, I'm tired of not understanding who I am and why I struggle.

This diagnosis would open a lot of doors for me and would be helpful in the future for potential benefits when it comes to the workplace. In the past I've never been able to keep a job because of several severe issues when it comes to overwhelming, panic, anxiety,.. etc.

I'm also not writing this to aim for sympathy or that you should feel sorry for me. But I also don't want to come off as hyper independent, because obviousness I wouldn't make this fundraiser in the first place.

Thank you for taking your time to read my small essay.