Each year, the Autism 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 autism field.
2025 Justine Brennan
Early Career Award
The Early Career Award is presented annually to an individual receiving their doctoral degree within the past 10 years. Selection criteria include noteworthy contributions to science and practice relevant to autism spectrum and developmental disability.
2025 Kelsey Dickson, PhD
Transformative Contribution Award
The Transformative Contribution Award recognizes an individual who has made a substantial and lasting impact on the field of autism and developmental disabilities through research, clinical innovation, advocacy, or service. The award honors contributions that meaningfully advance understanding and support for autistic individuals, particularly work that reflects the principles of cognitive and behavioral therapies and promotes meaningful change within the field. Recipients are selected for their influential scholarship, leadership, and commitment to improving outcomes for autistic people and their communities
2025 Laura Klinger, 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.
2025 Erin Kang, PhD
Travel Award
The Travel Award is offered to trainees presenting their research at ABCT.
2025 Samantha Martin, Sienna Halterman
Congratulations to our past award winners!
| Year | Best Student Clinician-Researcher Award | Early Career Award | Transformative Contribution Award | Outstanding Mentor Award | Travel Award & Autistic Travel Award |
| 2025 | Justine Brennan | Kelsey Dickson, PhD | Laura Klinger, PhD | Erin Kang, PhD | Samantha Martin, Sienna Halterman |
| 2024 | Samara Wolpe Researcher Award: Liliana Valvano | Micah Mazurek, PhD | Laura Anthony, PhD | Samara Wolpe, Laurel Benjamin, & Liliana Valvano Autistic Travel Award: Lorelei McEwen | |
| 2023 | Ingrid Tien | Caitlin Conner, PhD | Lauren Quetsch, PhD | Rachel McDonald & Bridgett Kiernan | |
| 2022 | Grace Lee Simmons | Lauren Quetsch, PhD | Cy Nadler, PhD | ||
| 2021 | Angela Dahiya | Vanessa Bal, PhD | Matthew Lerner, PhD | ||
| 2020 | Kyle Frost | Christina McDonnell, PhD | Eric Butter, PhD | Kim Zlomke, PhD | |
| 2019 | Reina Factor | Cy Nadler, PhD | Ami Klin, PhD & Judy Reaven, PhD | Susan White, PhD | |
| 2018 | Isaac Smith | Lindsey Burrell, PhD | Lauren Kenworthy, PhD & Lawrence Scahill, PhD | ||
| 2017 | Marika Coffman & Erin Kang | Cara Pugliese, PhD | Matthew Lerner, PhD | ||
| 2016 | Rebecca Elias | Megan Tudor, PhD | Lauren Brookman-Frazee, PhD | ||
| 2015 | Caitlin Conner | Brenna Maddox, PhD | Susan White, PhD | ||
| 2014 | Jenna Mendelson | Ashley Johnson Harrison, PhD | David Mandell, PhD |