Chronicles of a Quiet Fighter: My Autistic Journey So Far

Chronicles of a Quiet Fighter: My Journey So Far

Hey, I’m Caleb. I’m autistic and navigating more challenges than most people will ever see. This is my story so far — what I’ve been through, what I’m still pushing through, and why I refuse to give up.

Life hasn’t exactly been gentle. I’ve dealt with depression, anxiety, severe sleep apnea, insomnia, high blood pressure, periodic limb movement, and binge eating disorder. Some days, it feels like my body and mind are in constant battle with each other. But those challenges are only part of the picture.

What people don’t see is the fight behind closed doors. Living in a house where my mom and grandmother constantly argue, where emotional manipulation is the norm, and where I’ve had to learn to shield myself to protect what mental peace I can find. It’s draining. It’s loud. And it chips away at you in ways that are hard to describe.

Financially, things haven’t been easy either. Right now, I’m pursuing bankruptcy because I’ve been buried under debts I can’t pay. It’s scary to admit, but it’s real. I had to gather paperwork, face the shame and fear, and sit across from a lawyer to say: “I can’t do this alone anymore.” And now, ironically, I’ve got to come up with $400 just to get the lawyer started — who knew you had to have money to go bankrupt? It almost feels like life’s own joke, but I’m pushing through anyway.

And then there’s my past. Years ago, I was a general manager at a hotel. I carried that place on my back until it almost broke me — and after losing that job, I promised myself I wouldn’t chase titles anymore. I didn’t want to live under someone else’s expectations while my mental health silently imploded. These days, I’m focusing on what actually matters: being there for my family (even when it’s complicated), taking care of my own health, and fighting quietly in ways that don’t show up on a résumé.

One of the biggest turning points was getting diagnosed with autism at 35. Suddenly, things about myself that never made sense finally clicked. It wasn’t about being broken; it was about being wired differently. And that realization brought both grief and relief. It also taught me to stop hiding so much of who I am.

Through it all, my passions keep me grounded: working on classic cars, losing myself in history books, and collecting coins that tell stories older than any family drama or bill collector. These things matter because they remind me that there’s beauty, curiosity, and value outside the chaos.

That’s why I started Chronicles of a Quiet Fighter. Not because I think my story is special, but because it’s real. Because I know what it feels like to be overwhelmed, ignored, and exhausted — yet still get up anyway. And I want anyone who feels the same to know: you’re not alone. Even if your fight is quiet, it still counts.

If you’re reading this and feel stuck in family mess, financial fear, or just trying to keep your head above water — I see you. Your fight matters. Your story matters. And it’s okay to start over, even if it scares you.

If you’d like to keep following my journey, stick around — and if you want, share your story too. I’d love to hear it. We’re all quiet fighters in our own way.

Thanks for walking this part of my story with me.

— Caleb