About Ryan Perez

A Journey of Resilience

Ryan Perez's path has been marked by extraordinary challenges and remarkable resilience. As a Black individual with autism, Ryan faced numerous intersectional barriers that compounded his struggles in navigating society.

Homelessness and Isolation

Ryan experienced a period of homelessness, during which he found himself living in what he describes as a "cult-like situation" that exploited his vulnerability. Without proper support systems and with family members unable to provide assistance, Ryan faced isolation and hardship that tested his spirit daily.

The Diagnostic Journey

Like many adults, particularly those from marginalized communities, Ryan's path to an autism diagnosis was filled with obstacles. His self-diagnosis journey involved confronting systemic barriers, professional skepticism, and a lack of resources designed for adults with diverse backgrounds.

After years of self-advocacy and persistent searching for understanding, Ryan received his official autism diagnosis in November 2024. The diagnosis validated his lived experience but also highlighted the significant gaps in support for late-diagnosed adults.

"My diagnosis didn't change who I was—it finally gave me the language to describe who I'd always been. But it also showed me how many others were still searching for that validation, especially those whose identities and experiences don't match the stereotypical autism narrative."

Finding Community Through Mutual Aid

When traditional systems failed him, Ryan found support through Mutual Aid of Canada. This network of community care provided practical assistance that helped him secure housing and begin rebuilding his life. The power of mutual aid—people helping people directly without hierarchical structures—transformed Ryan's circumstances.

Through this experience, Ryan observed a critical gap: many autistic and neurodivergent individuals, particularly those who are self-diagnosed or have higher support needs, don't know how to self-advocate or access available resources. He saw how the self-diagnosis community often gathered for social connection but lacked guidance on securing tangible support.

Barriers to Self-Advocacy

Ryan's personal experience with mutual aid became the foundation for his mission: creating accessible pathways to resources and building stronger advocacy networks within the autistic community.

The Mission: Inclusive Representation and Practical Support

Ryan established this initiative with a clear vision: to create a platform where all autistic voices are centered, especially those with higher support needs who are often drowned out by content focused on high-masking presentations of autism.

Key Principles

Through digital content, community workshops, and direct support initiatives, Ryan works to bridge the gap between needing help and receiving it—especially for those whose neurodivergence may make navigating complex systems particularly challenging.

"When we talk about autism, we need to center all autistic experiences—not just those that are easiest for neurotypical people to understand or relate to. And we need practical pathways to help that acknowledge the real barriers many of us face."

Join the Movement

Ryan's story is still being written, and he invites you to be part of creating systems of community care that truly work for autistic and disabled individuals across the spectrum of needs and experiences.