You Matter

A Note from the Autism Society of Washington

Many Autistic people experience co-occurring mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression. We experience doubts, fears, loneliness, overwhelm, and the many pressures that come with navigating a world that does not always understand or accommodate us.

For caregivers, the experience can look different. Caring for someone you love can bring its own worries, exhaustion, isolation, uncertainty, and moments when you may wonder how you are going to keep going. It is okay to acknowledge that caregiving can be hard. You deserve support too.

It can be hard to find the right help. Sometimes you may not even know where to start. But finding your community can help.

There is something powerful about connecting with people who understand.

Learning from other people’s lived experiences, sharing what has helped us, and simply knowing that we are not the only ones going through something can make a difference.

Sometimes we need professional support. Sometimes we need a friend, a peer, or a community that gets it.

Sometimes we need medication. There is no shame in needing medication, and there is no shame in asking for help. What works for one person may not be what works for another, and finding the support that works for you is what matters.

We want you to know something very important:

You matter.

Your life matters. Your experiences matter. Your voice matters. You deserve support, understanding, acceptance, and people who see you for who you are.

If you are struggling, you do not have to figure everything out by yourself. Reaching out for support is okay. That might mean talking with someone you trust, connecting with other Autistic people or caregivers, finding a mental health provider, taking medication, or reaching out to a crisis resource when you need one.

We are sharing these resources because we want you to have places to turn, whether you need immediate help, information, or simply a place to connect with people who understand.

You are not alone. You belong here. You are part of our community, and you matter to us.

.You may not be able to see what comes next, but your story is not over yet.

There are still people you have not met, connections you have not made, moments you have not experienced, and chapters of your life that have not been written.

You do not have to have everything figured out today.

Reach out. Let someone know you are struggling. You do not have to carry it alone.

You matter. Your story matters. Please stay.