Welcome to Souls Matter

Hello there!

We are so excited you’ve found your way to Souls Matter, a space built by and for autistic individuals. This isn’t just any online community—it’s a deliberate effort to create a support network where neurodivergent folks can connect, share resources, and empower one another.

Right now, we’re in alpha mode, which means this is just the beginning. We’re building something special, and we want to take you along for the journey.

Why Souls Matter Was Born

The idea behind Souls Matter was inspired by one simple truth: we are stronger together. Many of us in the autistic community know how isolating the world can sometimes feel. Whether it’s navigating a neurotypical society that misunderstands us, searching for resources to help with sensory challenges, or simply looking for someone who gets it, being autistic often means we have to work twice as hard to find the things we need.

From personal experience, we’ve seen how access to community and mutual support can transform lives. When we help each other—whether by swapping strategies for handling burnout, sharing sensory-friendly products, or offering a listening ear—we create a network of collective strength.

What if there was a central hub where autistic people could connect, share resources, and give or receive support? That question became the foundation for Souls Matter, and we’ve been working tirelessly ever since to bring this vision to life.

What Is Mutual Aid?

At its heart, Souls Matter is about mutual aid. Unlike traditional charity models, mutual aid is based on the idea of community members helping and supporting one another as equals. It’s the belief that we each have something to offer the world, and when we pool our resources and skills, we can create a stronger, more inclusive community.

For us, that means:

• Sharing openly: Resources, tips, and advice that other autistics might find helpful.
• Lifting one another up: Whether someone needs emotional support, accommodation advice, or job-search tips, we’ll be here to help.
• Celebrating diversity within neurodiversity: Each autistic person is unique, and that’s something to celebrate. Souls Matter is a space to share our unique strengths and challenges, without fear of judgment.

What the Future Holds

Right now, as an alpha project, Souls Matter is just getting started. We know there’s still a lot to build, improve, and refine. But with your help, we believe we can create something truly transformative—because this isn’t just our project, it’s our collective project.

In the near future, we envision Souls Matter including features like:

• A resource database, created for and by autistics (think sensory-friendly tools, autistic-friendly workplaces, accessible housing options, and more).
• Peer-to-peer support groups where members can connect around shared interests and challenges.
• A request and offer system, so community members can ask for the help they need or give back in a way that feels meaningful to them.

We’re still brainstorming, building, and welcoming feedback as Souls Matter grows. That’s where you come in!

How You Can Get Involved

There are so many ways to help us shape this vision:

1. Share your ideas: What do you think would make Souls Matter more helpful for you or your friends in the autistic community? Tell us! Your input matters more than anything else.
2. Be a part of the alpha: Test out the features we’re rolling out, and let us know what’s working, what’s not, and what could be improved.
3. Join our community: Whether you’re looking for support or want to offer it to others, Souls Matter is a space for everyone who believes in the power of mutual aid.

Why Souls Truly Matter

The name “Souls Matter” reflects what this is all about: seeing each other for who we are at our core. Every soul in this world is invaluable, and every autistic person deserves to feel understood, supported, and celebrated. Souls Matter is our effort to create a community where no one is left behind, and where we can come together to meet our needs within a world that often overlooks us.

Thank you for joining us on this journey. Let’s build something amazing together.

With love and solidarity,
The Souls Matter Team

About the Author

Ryan Perez is an advocate for the autistic and disabled community in Canada. After experiencing homelessness and receiving support through mutual aid networks, Ryan founded initiatives to help others navigate diagnosis, self-advocacy, and resource access.

As a Black autistic individual diagnosed in November 2024, Ryan brings intersectional perspectives to conversations about disability justice and mutual support.