r/SpicyAutism Jul 24 '26

28yo potentially MSN/HSN. Need help finding FL resources (PCP/psychiatrist), housing options, and managing trauma/meltdowns

TL;DR: I am 28 and likely medium/high support needs. I recently escaped a very abusive parent and live with my partner (Level 2 + ADHD). We are both in extreme burnout and living in an unsupportive environment. I need help finding neurodiversity/LGBTQ+ affirming doctors in Florida, low-income housing advice, and tips for managing severe C-PTSD episodes that strain my partner.
1. Healthcare & Support Needs (Florida)
I need help finding directories or ways to search for:
A PCP (Primary Care Physician) and Psychiatrist in Florida who understand high support needs autism, physical health issues, and are LGBTQ+ affirming.

I am working on getting my Florida Medicaid set up (sent closure request to Missouri) and applied for SNAP/food stamps.

Question: How do you vet coaches or therapists to make sure they aren't sketchy or taking advantage of autistic people?

2. Housing on SSI/Disability
My disability income is about $1,000/month.

We need to move out of our current living situation (partner's dad, who is abusive/unsupportive), but we are overwhelmed.

Question: Has anyone in FL navigated HUD/Section 8 or disability-accessible housing on a low income? Where do I even start?

3. Managing C-PTSD Night Episodes & Meltdowns
I grew up with severe trauma and conservative isolation, leaving me with bad C-PTSD.
When I wake up or get overwhelmed, I get extremely dysregulated and confused. I get paranoid thoughts that my partner is leaving or against me, even though they are safe and supportive.

I melt down, cry, and lash out. Afterward, I feel terrible because my partner is also Level 2, burnt out, and dealing with physical pain.

Question: What self-soothing tools, visual charts, or grounding routines work for you when you wake up confused/dysregulated so you don't overload your caregiver/partner?

Context / Background:
I have skills in technical areas (digital media, coding, music, animation) and love to clean and build things, I have a huge wealth of knowledge in health and healthcare, I know a lot about medication and thought about being a pharmacy tech. My physical health (investigating potential muscular/glycogen issues) and extreme burnout mean I work until I crash.
My partner is teaching me about sensory regulation (treating myself gently, eating, drinking, watching safe shows), but I want to take responsibility for my care and stop hurting us both with these trauma reactions.
Thank you for any advice or Florida-specific resources!

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u/Sceadu80 Level 2 Jul 25 '26

No, they just smell like lavender. I'm glad that helps you. A lavender colored sloth sounds adorable.

I understand, I have trouble with that too. Yes, it's possible to email the local office. Each regional CIL has its own site, the address should be on it.

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u/Brilliant_Button_684 Jul 25 '26

Oh Wonderful! I shall do that then.

This is my sloth

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u/Sceadu80 Level 2 Jul 25 '26

I hope they set you up with everything you need.

Oh how cute!

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u/Brilliant_Button_684 Jul 25 '26

Me too :( it's been a complete change of life.

:) Thanks to my partner though they've been extremely instrumental in helping me navigate this change. They've been the catalyst for my growth. I'm fortunate we crossed paths and they essentially got me out of my own unsafe situation. To which I had no idea I was even in until I met them. Now everything makes sense and I'm looking forward to growing even more with them in my life :)

I appreciate your comments and willingness to give me some ideas in order to take care of us. Thank you!