Launched Souls Matter

A Journey of Resilience: The Birth of SoulsMatter.com

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—experiences that would ultimately inspire him to create a platform for others facing similar journeys.

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. These dark moments revealed the critical gaps in support for marginalized individuals, particularly those whose neurodivergent traits made them targets for exploitation.

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."

The Vision Behind SoulsM️atter.com

Ryan's experiences with homelessness, exploitation, delayed diagnosis, and navigating intersectional challenges as a Black autistic individual illuminated a critical need in the community. He recognized that countless others were struggling in silence, lacking the resources, representation, and support systems necessary to thrive.

SoulsM️atter.com was born from this realization—a digital sanctuary where:

• Marginalized voices are centered, not sidelined
• Late-diagnosed adults find community and understanding
• Intersectional experiences are validated and explored
• Practical resources bridge the gaps that traditional systems leave unfilled
• Authentic stories replace stereotypical narratives about autism and neurodivergence

Ryan created the platform because he understood firsthand how isolation and lack of representation can be devastating. Having navigated exploitation during his most vulnerable moments, he was determined to create a space where others wouldn't have to face their journeys alone.

"Every soul matters, but some souls have been told they don't—by systems, by society, sometimes even by their own families. I created this platform because when you're searching for yourself in a world that doesn't see you, you need to know that your story, your struggles, and your triumphs matter just as much as anyone else's."

Through SoulsM️atter.com, Ryan transforms his pain into purpose, ensuring that others walking similar paths have the validation, resources, and community support that he wished he'd had during his darkest moments.