Abby's Graduation

My name is Dan and I have Asperger's Syndrome, which is now listed on the Autism Spectrum. I grew up in a time when this diagnosis wasn't familiar and learned to live with 'the way I was'. After my son was born and diagnosed with Asperger's, I learned all about it and realized I was also living with this.

When Abby was born her mother and I noticed some of the same symptoms and had her evaluated. Hers was a bit more severe than her brother so she was classified as Autistic but it's really just Asperger's. The thing is, Asperger's is very rare among females.

Fast forward 18 years and, due to early intervention and therapy, my reasonably well-adjusted, beautiful daughter will graduate high school with high honors (4.0 GPA) in May 2023. However, due to her condition, she still suffers from anxiety and depression. So much so that she has never held a job of any kind. When she applies for something, she gets nervous. As her interview date approaches, she gets anxious to the point of a panic attack and doesn't go to the interview. Then she gets depressed because she knows she needs a job and her feelings of frustration weigh her down.

I'm starting this fundraiser to help Abby get a start on life after high school. Like most kids her age these days, she doesn't know what she wants to do but, her mental and emotional state has prevented her from exploring opportunities. I want her to know the world isn't that bad and there are people out there who deal with the same things and still get by. Currently, she doesn't have any bills to pay but, as an adult out of high school, that will change soon. USD $1,000 isn't a lot but it's a start.

Your gift, combined with others, will be given as a graduation 'present' for a job well done in getting through high school and will help her with finances until she can get her bearings on life and her first job. 100% of the money raised here goes to Abby's personal savings account.

Thank you so much for any amount you can contribute. <3