Autism Awareness, Chase 2.0, and the Second Half

Devonta Smith is the man. AJ Brown can be a Patriot all he wants, but I am still repping Autism Awareness and #6 for life.

Real talk, I just got the kind of diagnosis that changes the frame on a whole lifetime. Autism Spectrum Disorder, Level 1 Support Needs. Along with C-PTSD, ADHD, chronic Insomnia, and chronic pain. Those labels do not make me smaller, they do not define me, and they will not stop me. They explain me.

I have spent a long time masking, especially around the people who knew how to love the version of me that was easiest to tolerate. I learned early how to look fine when I was not fine, how to carry pain quietly, and how to keep moving anyway. That is a skill, but it is also a cost.

So this is me saying the quiet part out loud. This is Chase 2.0. V42.5. The second half starts with better self-knowledge, better boundaries, and better care.

I have been on Insomnia leave since 1/12/2026, and sleep has still been rough. Some days have been a grind. Some days have been survival. And some days have been both. I didn’t know until today that my worsened Insomnia was actually Autistic Burnout. A lot more makes sense now, too.

But I am still here. I am still building. I am still grateful. I have had faith in my higher power, and I have had faith in my higher self, too. That matters.

I know a few things… My father and his parents taught me to always be kind, always be true to myself, love loudly, and always remember, I can do anything I put my mind to, but watch your back… Which is why I’ve always covered my own six.

I am not asking for pity. I am asking to be understood. I am asking for room to keep becoming who I actually am, not who other people needed me to be.

The truth is simple. Life has had some deep low moments. It has had pain, confusion, grief, and a lot of misunderstanding. But I have also had gratitude. I have also had faith. And I know I will be fine, because at the end of the day, I know one thing: I’ve got my back.

With peace, love, unity, and respect,

Chase Hunter Richardson

ChaseRich.com AI Learning Lab

Your Autistic Friend

AnarchE / xAnarchEx

SpaceFox

@ChaseHunterRichardson

@Bio.Psycho.Social.Shaman