Award Winners

Each year, the ASDD SIG recognizes graduate students, early career researchers, outstanding mentors, and individuals who have made transformative contributions to research in ASD and developmental disabilities. Our most recent honorees are highlighted below. Congratulations to all of our awardees!


Best Student Clinician-Researcher Award

The best student clinician-researcher award is presented to a matriculated masters- or doctoral-level student based on current and potential future impact of the awardee to the ASDD field.

2023    Ingrid Tien, MA


Early Career Award

The early career award is presented to an individual receiving their doctoral degree within the past 10 years. Selection criteria include noteworthy contributions to science and practice relevant to ASDD.

2023    Caitlin Conner, PhD


Outstanding Mentor Award

The outstanding mentor award seeks to acknowledge and appreciate individuals who have had a significant impact on mentees’ careers, professional development, and personal growth.

2023    Lauren Quetsch, PhD


Travel Award

The travel award is offered to trainees presenting their research at ABCT. 

2023 Rachel McDonald, MPS & Bridgett Kiernan, BA


Congratulations to our past award winners!

YearBest Student Clinician-Researcher AwardEarly Career AwardTransformative Contribution AwardOutstanding Mentor AwardTravel Award
2023Ingrid TienCaitlin Conner, PhDLauren Quetsch, PhDRachel McDonald & Bridgett Kiernan
2022Grace Lee SimmonsLauren Quetsch, PhDCy Nadler, PhD
2021Angela DahiyaVanessa Bal, PhDMatthew Lerner, PhD
2020Kyle FrostChristina McDonnell, PhDEric Butter, PhDKim Zlomke, PhD
2019Reina FactorCy Nadler, PhDAmi Klin, PhD & Judy Reaven, PhDSusan White, PhD
2018Isaac SmithLindsey Burrell, PhDLauren Kenworthy, PhD & Lawrence Scahill, PhD
2017Marika Coffman & Erin KangCara Pugliese, PhDMatthew Lerner, PhD
2016Rebecca EliasMegan Tudor, PhDLauren Brookman-Frazee, PhD
2015Caitlin ConnerBrenna Maddox, PhDSusan White, PhD
2014Jenna MendelsonAshley Johnson Harrison, PhDDavid Mandell, PhD