Each year, the Alabama Autism Conference awards the CARES Award. CARES stands for Commitment to Autism Research, Education, and Service. We accept nominations for an individual who shows dedication and commitment to Autism research, Autism education, or Autism service. We also recognize an organization that meets these criteria.
Submit your nomination for the 2025 CARES Award recipient here!
Deadline to submit your nomination is February 1, 2025.
Past CARES Award Recipients
> 2022
Individual Recipient – Justin C. Schwartz, M.D., Associate Professor, UAB School of Medicine
Organization Recipient – Alabama Department of Mental Health
> 2021
Individual Recipient – In Memoriam: Fred J. Biasini, Ph.D., Professor, UAB Department of Psychology, Director, UAB LEND and UCEDD
Organization Recipient – The Learning Tree, Inc.
> 2020
Individual Recipient – Anna McConnell, LICSW, MPH, State Autism Coordinator, Alabama Department of Mental Health
Organization Recipient – Linda Nolen Learning Center
> 2019
Individual Recipient- Angela B. Barber, PhD, CCC-SLP, Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Communicative Disorders, The University of Alabama
Organization Recipient- Lee County Autism Resource & Advocacy
> 2018
Individual Recipient- Sarah Ryan, PhD, Psychologist, UA-ACTS Program Director Administrative Director of Autism Services, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, The University of Alabama
Organization Recipient- Autism Society of Alabama
> 2017
Individual Recipient- Hanes Swingle, MD, University of South Alabama, Developmental-Behavioral Clinic
Organization Recipient- Project Outreach Gulf Coast
> 2016
Individual Recipient – Sandy Naramore, Mitchell’s Place
Organization Recipient – Arts ‘n Autism
> 2015
Individual Recipient- Joe Carter, Glenwood Inc.
Organization Recipient- Triumph, Lead Service Provider for individuals with ASD
> 2014
Individual Recipient- Bill Pearson
> 2013
Individual Recipients- Rick and Suzanne Dowling
> 2012
Individual Recipient- Carl Nowell, Leader in Disability Rehabilitation
> 2011
Individual Recipient- Bama Hager
> 2010
Individual Recipient- Cam Ward, Autism Task Force of Alabama
> 2009
Individual Recipients- Laura and Mark Klinger, Leading Autism Researchers
> 2008
Individual Recipient- Rebecca Dossett, Dossett Clinic for People with Autism
> 2007
Individual Recipient- Phillip Young, Parent and Autism Advocate