The Faces of AUTISM ADVOCACY AND SUPPORT Autism Society - Greater Baton Rouge Chapter Beryl Herbert and Drew Walker PHOTO CREDIT: BUTTERFLIES OF HOPE PHOTOGRAPHY
T he Autism Society - Greater Baton Rouge Chapter’s leaders and advocates are working together to strengthen understanding and support for individuals with autism and their families across the Capital Region. Through education and community col- laboration, the organization is focused on building a more inclusive environ- ment where every individual is valued beyond a diagnosis. President Beryl Hebert, alongside board members including Karen Nelson, Drew Walker, and Chundra Steele, brings decades of combined experience in edu- cation, speech-language pathology, and autism advocacy. Together, they empha- size a shared mission rooted in dignity and access to resources. The organization’s work is centered on helping families move from isolation to connection. They describe autism advocacy as both individual support and system-level change, ensuring families are not only guided through services but also helped to navigate medical systems and long-term planning with confidence and clarity. Through outreach programs, support groups, education initiatives, and advo- cacy efforts, the Autism Society connects families with information and communi- ty resources. A key focus is collaboration, bringing parents, educators, and service providers together to build coordinated support systems that reflect each indi- vidual’s unique needs and strengths. The team emphasizes that true progress comes from inclusion and listening to lived experiences. From early childhood through transition planning and adult- hood, the organization works to ensure families feel supported at every stage while helping individuals with autism find their voice, independence, and place within the community.
For more information, visit autismsocietygbr.org.
6 Faces & Places ® | Summer 2026
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