He always felt "different."

His entire life? A quest to get to the bottom of what fueled chronic anxiety, depression, and alcohol abuse.

Appearances are deceiving. A high performer who enjoyed top-tier professional success, David Wetherelt masked his inner pain. The constant "extra steps of mental gyrations" necessary to fit in proved exhausting, ending in hospitalization.

His story took a dramatic turn when at age 58 he received a life-changing diagnosis: autism. Finally, like Dorothy's world turning to technicolor when she arrived in Oz, David could understand the "why" behind a lifetime of overwhelming feelings leading to self-destructive behaviors.

Managing life in a new, healthy way, David is now a speaker and advocate to raise awareness of neurodiversity and remove the stigma from spectrum disorders.

The relief of finally being diagnosed has led to profound self-acceptance, and his heart to help others led to the formation of www.homosystemus.com.

What if you or someone you know struggles with addiction or self-hatred from not "fitting in"? What if the issue isn't laziness, stupidity, or lack of self-control? What if, like David, a proper diagnosis could be the truth that sets you free?

David's story proves that it is never too late to have your breakthrough.

For those struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help and call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.