Our first Regress & Rest Retreat was a resounding, wildly joyful success—and proof that when we build spaces by and for autistic people, magic happens.

From 2:00 PM to 9:00 AM on September 26th, our community came together at UUCC to slow down, reconnect, and honor our own social batteries. It was a day filled with pure autistic joy: pajamas, safe-food potlucks, infodumping corners, late-night movies, and collaborative advocacy discussions shaping Autistic Pride Chattanooga’s second year. People dropped in, rested, moved between sensory-tailored spaces at their own pace, and simply got to be.

This event showed us just how deeply needed these unhurried, community-paced spaces are in Chattanooga. Because of how much love, safety, and rest was shared, this is officially going to become a regular event.

Thank you to everyone who showed up, shared food, supported our sliding-scale entry, and helped us celebrate APC’s 1st birthday. We can’t wait to rest and reconnect with you all again soon!