Awards

Each year, the Autism Society presents a number of awards to individuals and organizations in recognition of their commitment to the autism community. Award winners are announced each year at the Autism Society’s National Conference and Exposition on Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Autism Society Award Eligibility Guidelines
1. Eligibility:

• Only Autism Society members in good standing may submit nominations. It is also recommended, but not required, that nominees be Autism Society members.
• All nominations (except where noted) must pertain to accomplishments occurring during calendar year 2011.
• Current members of the Autism Society Board of Directors, Panel of Professional Advisors, Panel of People on the Spectrum of Autism, and staff members are ineligible.
• Individuals, organizations or products that have won an Autism Society award are not eligible in the category in which they have previously won.
• The Autism Society will only administer one award to an individual or group within a given calendar year.
• Award nominations must be made by Autism Society members, you cannot self-nominate.
• Voting members of the Autism Society Awards Committee are prohibited from making a nomination.
• Guidelines apply to all Autism Society Awards.

2. Each nomination must include at least five copies (REQUIRED) of the following materials.  ALL ITEMS REQUESTED ARE REQUIRED:

• A cover page with the name of the nominee, address, day phone number, e-mail address, and the award for which they are being nominated; and the name, address, day phone number, and e-mail address of the Autism Society member making the nomination.
• An essay (500 words maximum) by the Autism Society member making the nomination, stating a) why the nominee deserves this award and b) the nominee’s significant contribution to autism.
• Nominations in the Media Excellence and Outstanding Literary categories must include five copies of the work being nominated (e.g., book, video, or DVD).
• Any nomination submitted with fewer than five complete copies will be disqualified.
• All award submissions, including all materials (books, videos, etc.), will not be returned.

3. Please clearly label on each item submitted the name of the person being nominated and the award category.

4. The Autism Awards Committee evaluates all nominations and selects winners that are appropriate for each category.

A winner is not necessarily chosen from all categories. All winners will be notified no later than June 3, 2013, and will be recognized at the Autism Society’s 44th National Conference on Autism Spectrum Disorders at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvia on July 10-13. 2013. Winners of Autism Society Awards will receive a one-day complimentary registration for the day of the award presentation. Specify your award category and mail to:

Autism Society
4340 East West Highway, Suite 350
Bethesda, MD 20814
Attention: 2012 Autism Society Awards

All materials must be postmarked by April 30, 2013, and received no later than May 3, 2013.  The Autism Society will not be responsible for late, damaged, misdirected or misaddressed mail.

2013 Autism Award Categories

Autism Society Volunteer of the Year
An award presented to an affiliate member whose work has positively influenced the lives of individuals, parents, and professionals coping with autism in his or her community.

Autism Society Audrey I. Horne Memorial Award
Given to an individual or organization that has made an enduring contribution to improving adult services and the quality of life for those individuals living on the autism spectrum.

Media Excellence Award
Any item released within the last five years — January 1, 2007 & later is eligible.

Outstanding Literary Work of the Year - Family/Social Division (book, poem, essay, etc.)
Any item published or copyrighted within the last five years — January 1, 2007 & later is eligible.

Outstanding Literary Work of the Year - Educational Division (book, poem, essay, etc.)
Any item published or copyrighted within the last five years — January 1, 2007 & later is eligible.

Dr. Cathy Pratt Autism Professional of the Year
Eligibility: Professionals who have made a significant contribution in the autism field (educator, speech language therapist, social worker, occupational therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist medical doctor, or researcher). This list is not exhaustive; nominations for all types of professionals are welcome.  Criteria: Demonstration of outstanding accomplishment in terms of contributing to the life/lives of individuals with autism and/or to the cause of autism in general.

Outstanding Individual with Autism of the Year
Eligibility: An individual with autism who has excelled in one or more areas of life experiences or contributions.  Criteria: Demonstration of exceptional dedication, effort or achievement. Areas to be considered can include, but should not necessarily be limited to: academics, the arts, athletics, community service, employment, extracurricular activities, transitions or independent living skills.