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 a nomination for the 2023 CARES Award now!


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

Bill Pearson, Autism Society of Alabama

2013

Rick and Suzanne Dowling, Arts ‘n Autism

2012

Carl Nowell, Leader in Disability Rehabilitation

2011

Bama Hager, Autism Society of Alabama

2010

Cam Ward, Autism Task Force of Alabama

2009

Laura and Mark Klinger, Leading Autism Researchers

2008

Rebecca Dossett, Dossett Clinic for People with Autism

2007

Phillip Young, Parent and Autism Advocate