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Hello, my name is David, and I’m reaching out with humility and hope.
I’ve spent most of my adult life battling a complex web of challenges: depression, anxiety, OCD, and CPTSD—without ever understanding why none of the healing paths seemed to fully work for me. Recently, I’ve come to a powerful realization: I’m almost certainly autistic, and this undiagnosed neurodivergence has been the hidden core of my lifelong struggles. My mother saw the signs and symptoms very clearly since I was a little kid, but only in recent years have we been able to fully connect the dots.
For the past year and a half, I’ve been in a severe state of autistic burnout, compounded by past trauma and the wear and tear of surviving without proper support during 30 years of struggling almost consistently with ongoing financial insecurity, resulting stress and many unaddressed health concerns.
My condition has become nearly unbearable. Most days, I’m isolated in a dark room, limiting sensory stimuli and stress factors as much as possible, overwhelmed by even the smallest tasks—taking a shower, cooking, reading and answering messages or stepping outside. It’s like living inside a constant war in my mind.
Despite a lifetime of trying very hard to get better—multiple types of therapy, healing seminars, meditation, sport, breathing, even psychedelic-assisted treatments—my health has declined dramatically. I’ve fought with everything I had. But now, I truly need help.
What I’m Facing:
- No income, insurance, or access to doctors.
- Decades of unresolved trauma, both psychological and physical.
- A long history of undiagnosed autism, masking, and burnout.
- Lingering damage from past experiences with 30 years of financial turmoil, substance abuse, and persistent extreme stress.
- Increasing health concerns with no resources to address them.
A Sliver of Hope:
With the help of CARD, an autism support center here in Tampa, I have recently attended an orientation with Vocational Rehabilitation Florida. I am now eagerly awaiting the upcoming appointment with a specialist to take on my case and help me navigate this impossible phase of my life. If approved, this could give me access to support with professional diagnosis, specialized therapy, and other resources and tools to rebuild a functioning life. But I can’t get there alone.
What I Need Help With:
- A professional autism diagnosis (typically $2,500+)
- Trauma-informed and autism specialized therapy from someone who understands neurodivergence (typically $160+/hr) (as I now know therapy directed at neurotypical individuals can actually make neurodivergent individuals worse rather than help)
- Basic medical care, medications, supplements, and mental health support
- Stabilizing essentials like food, housing, and transportation while I heal
How You Can Help:
If my story resonates with you—even if just a little—I would be endlessly grateful for your support.
Every donation, no matter the size, helps me take another step toward healing and hope.
If you can't donate, sharing this page with others would mean the world to me.
Thank you for listening. Thank you for caring.
With love and deep gratitude,
David
Breakdown of Expenses Covered:
- Autism diagnosis $2,500 – $4,000
- 12–24 trauma-informed and autism specialized therapy sessions $1,600 – $3,800
- Medication & supplements (3–6 months) $500 – $1,000
- Transportation / travel to appointments / ID & paperwork $300 – $500
- Contingency / emergencies / GoFundMe fees buffer (~5%) $500+
PLEASE READ:
Helpful links about autism and related information:
