Beyond Childhood: Advocating for ASD Research and Support

Unlocking Understanding: Supporting Research and Resources for Adult Autism

Hi, my name is Chris, and I’m an autistic man in my 30s. Like many others on the spectrum, my journey has been one of self-discovery, resilience, and navigating a world that often misunderstands neurodiversity. But one thing has become painfully clear: while resources and research for autistic children have grown over the years, support for adults like me remains scarce.

Growing up, I didn’t have the tools or understanding to explain why the world felt overwhelming or why connecting with others felt so challenging. It wasn’t until adulthood that I received my autism diagnosis—a revelation that explained so much but also highlighted how little support exists for adults like me.

Every day, I encounter barriers that could be addressed with the right tools:

Workplace struggles: Finding and keeping a job that aligns with my abilities while accommodating sensory sensitivities.

Healthcare gaps: Doctors often don’t understand how autism manifests in adults, leading to misdiagnoses or inadequate care.

Social isolation: Building relationships and support networks can feel like an uphill battle.

Despite these challenges, I’ve learned to adapt and thrive in ways that work for me. But my story is not unique. Millions of autistic adults face the same struggles without access to the support they need. This lack of resources stems from a simple but devastating reality: most research and funding focus on children, leaving adults behind.

That’s why I’m launching this campaign. The funds raised will go toward two critical goals:

Advocacy and Support: I aim to create a resource hub for autistic adults, providing access to tools, job coaching, mental health support, and guidance for navigating life on the spectrum.

Funding Research: Collaborating with researchers and organizations to push for more studies on adult autism, ensuring our voices are heard and our needs are met.

Your support means everything—not just to me, but to the entire adult autistic community. Every donation, no matter the size, brings us closer to a world where autistic adults are understood, supported, and celebrated.

Together, we can make a difference.

Thank you for helping me create a brighter future for autistic adults everywhere.