Neurodiverse Advisory Panel (NAP)
At Autistic Pride Chattanooga, our mission is clear: We Amplify, Center, and Empower Autistic Voices—not only in conversations about autism, but in every conversation where humanity, justice, and imagination belong. The Neurodiverse Advisory Panel (NAP) ensures neurodiverse lived experience guides everything we do.
How Participation Works
It's a "no-commitment" commitment
Participation in the NAP is no‑commitment. You share input when and how you wish, with no required meetings or deadlines. Your voice matters whether you contribute once or often. Input can be shared in whatever way is most accessible to you—email, social media, virtual forums, phone calls, face‑to‑face conversations, or with the assistance of a caretaker or advocate. These are only examples; your insight can come in whatever form feels right for you.
Community and Connection
Participation can look many different ways. You may develop a one‑on‑one relationship with our NAP Liaison or another board member. You may become part of our online community through Discord, Signal, or our Facebook Group. You may join us for virtual or in‑person meetups and hangouts—whether they’re hosted by a board member, a fellow NAP member, or even yourself. Or you might simply send us an email once, sharing an idea that matters to you. Every level of involvement is valid.
From time to time, we may also ask for formal input through a survey, or pose questions in our Facebook group and Discord to spark conversations about projects we’re exploring. These specific prompts can make it easier to share your perspective, since you don’t have to start from scratch—you can simply respond to the question at hand.
Transparency and Care
You can expect transparency. We document how feedback is used, so you’ll see the connection between your voice and the changes we make. And you can expect care: participation is designed to be accessible, flexible, and respectful of your time, energy, and communication style.
As part of this commitment, we publish a weekly newsletter just for NAP members. It keeps you connected to ongoing work, shows how your insights are shaping our path, and often sparks new ideas or involvement.
Impact
Most of all, you can expect to be part of something bigger—a collective effort to build spaces where neurodiverse identity is honored, autistic pride is celebrated, and community care is real.
Ready to Share Your Voice?
If you’re ready to join the Neurodiverse Advisory Panel, you can complete our Jotform to get started, or simply give us a call, email, or text us directly
If you’d prefer to get to know us a bit before deciding, you’re welcome to visit and connect with us on your preferred social media platform. Whether you jump in right away or take time to explore, your voice matters—and we invite you to be part of shaping Autistic Pride Chattanooga.
