Jonathan Chase is a professional speaker, mentor, and autism consultant based in Portland, Oregon.

Diagnosed with autism at the age of 14, and having worked in the autism field as a professional for over 15 years, he has a wide range of experience in supporting people across the autism spectrum. As a support worker, he spent many years one-on-one with neurodiverse clients, supporting them with activities of daily living, social integration, and reaching their goals in relationships, employment, and independence.

His work as a mentor includes creative pursuits designed to engage individuals around their areas of interest, to connect with them on a personal level. His “professional nerd” approach has supported many clients with Dungeons & Dragons groups, Magic Card tournaments, and even developing a unique system of foam sword LARP events designed to accommodate autistic players.

Jonathan also spent over 25 years as a professional musician, playing with dozens of bands throughout the Pacific Northwest. His experience as a musician gave him valuable insight into how to support others as they pursue their own careers in the arts, or navigate the challenges of other non-traditional vocations.

As a speaker, Jonathan’s presentations offer a mix of personal stories from his life with practical tools that can be put into action right away. He approaches each presentation with the mindset of a jazz musician: every performance is unique and shaped by the audience.

Jonathan is a published author, TEDx Speaker, and has presented at schools, conferences, and businesses across the country.