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.
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