Call for Award Nominations
In order to recognize the outstanding work being done by our colleagues, the College Autism Network seeks nominations for our annual College Autism Network Excellence in Autism Practice and Research Awards. Nominations may be submitted by colleagues, though self-nominations will also be accepted. Recipients will be recognized at the 2026 College Autism Summit in Baltimore, November 8-11.
Deadline for nominations: June 15
Recipients will be notified by August 15
Outstanding Autism Support Program
This award is given to a campus-based support program or initiative that has demonstrated excellence in implementation of evidence-guided practices. These may include some or all of the following:
Individual practices, clusters or combination of activities
Programs or initiatives that focus on autistic students directly, neurotypical students/peers or faculty/staff in relation to autistic students, or relevant to/about other key stakeholders
Program may be longstanding or newly-created
Program may be implemented by campus-based units, departments, or other programs, or may be initiated by independent entities that focus on college students and the higher education setting
Outstanding Neurodiversity Workplace Initiative
This award is given to an employer who has established a workplace initiative that recruits and supports autistic and other neurodivergent employees and encourages professional growth and advancement. These may include some or all of the following:
Support of, and connection to, campus resources and initiatives
Effective recruiting of neurodivergent applicants
Outreach and education to all employees about neurodiversity
Initiatives, policies and processes that demonstrate ongoing support of, and attention to, neurodivergent employees in their professional growth and advancement
Outstanding Research on Autism in Higher Education
This award is given to an individual (or research team) who has, in the previous year (2022-23), produced original scholarship advancing research, policy, and/or practice in ways that facilitate college success for autistic students. Such scholarship may include any/all of the following:
Journal articles
Project reports
Books
Research briefs
CAN Contributor of the Year
This award is given to an individual whose contributions to the College Autism Network, its members, and its mission, have been outstanding during the previous year. Contributions may include:
Presentations at College Autism Summit or other event
Consultations with other campuses
Contributions to CAN’s mission to support autistic college students and the professionals who work with them
Engagement and/or service in CAN programming, including CANVAS, Program Director Calls, Summit planning
Timeline:
April 15: Call for nominations
June 15: Deadline
Aug 1: Winners selected
Aug 15: Winners notified
Nov 8-11: College Autism Summit, Baltimore, MD
