Our History

Nashville Autism Peer Support was founded by Chad Beadles in 2015. He came up with the idea for the group from a Partners in Policymaking Leadership Institute homework assignment. The Partners in Policymaking Leadership Insititute is a program provided by the TN Council on Developmental Disabilities and offers individuals with a disability and/or their loved one(s) the knowledge of how to become a better advocate for themself or their loved one(s).

Our Mission and Vision

To provide a safe place for individuals with autism and their support networks to find resources, acceptance, and understanding while working to educate the community to increase awareness.

Our Values

Authenticity

We value autistics being their authentic selves and not apologizing for it.

Acceptance

We value acceptance for every autistic individual.

Self-Advocacy

We value autistics advocating for their needs and helping others do the same.

Community

We value offering a space for autistics to find community with one another.

Understanding

We value autistics sharing their story so others can understand them better.

Respect

We value every autistic being respected for who they are as a person.