For the following awards, nominees must be members of both ABCT and the Autism SIG prior to application. Preference will be given to individuals whose research and/or clinical work focuses on neurodiversity-affirming applications and adaptations of CBT and/or behavior therapy with autistic individuals.
For 2026, please send all submissions to Dr. Nicole Hendrix at nicole.m.hendrix@emory.edu.
Travel Award
Four travel awards are available for $400 each. Two are reserved for trainees and two are reserved for autistic attendees presenting at ABCT.
To apply, submit:
- Documentation of acceptance to present at ABCT
- Abstract of the work you will be presenting
- A brief statement outlining why you are applying for this award (<300 words)
- Itemized travel budget needs, including registration, travel, and accommodation.
- Clearly state if you have received or may receive any other travel funding, including the amount
- Provide the city/town you will be departing from to attend ABCT
- Whether you are applying for the “Travel Award” or “Autistic Attendee Award” in your application.
2026 Submission Deadline: September 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM EDT
Best Student Clinician-Researcher Award
For matriculated Master’s- or Doctoral-level students. Selection will be made based on the current and future impact of the applicant’s clinical and research work in the field of autism.
To apply or self nominate, submit:
- CV
- A personal statement about your current and future clinical and/or research work (<400 words)
2026 Submission Deadline: October 5, 2026, at 11:59 PM EDT
Mid Career Award
Open to clinicians, professors, and researchers who received their doctoral degrees more than 10 but less than 20 years ago. Selection criteria will include noteworth contributions to science and/or practice relevant to autism and potential for future impact.
To apply or self-nominate, submit:
- CV
- A personal statement about your current and future clinical, advocacy/community outreach, academia, and/or research work (<400 words)
2026 Submission Deadline: October 5, 2026, at 11:59 PM EDT
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.
To nominate someone, submit:
- A brief statement (<400 words) about how you have benefited from their mentorship and why your mentor deserves this award.
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2026 Submission Deadline: October 5, 2026, at 11:59 PM EDT
Please note: Mentors must be an Autism SIG member
**NEW** Advocacy Champion Award
The ABCT Autism SIG Diversity Committee is excited to announce the inaugural Advocacy Champion Award! This award honors a clinician, researcher, autistic and self-advocates, caregiver, or community member who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to advancing autism acceptance, equity, and neurodiversity-affirming practice. The award recognizes contributions at any career stage that promote respectful, accessible, and inclusive support for autistic individuals and the broader developmental disability community.
Ideal nominees meet one or more of the following:
- Advocacy for Autism Acceptance and Equity: Promotes neurodiversity-affirming practices; challenges ableism and deficit-based narratives; amplifies autistic voices, especially individuals with marginalized identities.
- Community Engagement and Co-Production: Collaborates meaningfully with autistic individuals, families, or community interest-holders; integrates lived experience into research, programs, or advocacy initiatives.
- Advancement of Affirming Clinical or Educational Practices: Develops or promotes clinical, educational, or support practices aligned with neurodiversity principles; supports autonomy and mental health of autistic individuals.
- Research, Policy, or Systems-Level Change: Contributes to policy, research, or systemic change improving equity and access; advances public knowledge or implementation of affirming practices.
- Mentorship and Leadership: Mentors emerging advocates, clinicians, or researchers; fosters inclusive spaces; models humility and social justice–oriented leadership
To nominate someone or self-nominate, please submit the following:
- A 1–2 page nomination letter explaining how the nominee embodies one or more award criteria listed above (please submit only ONE nomination letter per nominee)
- The nominee’s CV or professional summary (optional for community members)
- Up to two letters of support (optional, but encouraged); each letter should be 1 page maximum
Alternative submission formats (e.g., audio/video) are welcome for autistic/self-advocates or community nominees, describing how the nominee embodies one or more award criteria listed above
We especially encourage nominations of autistic individuals and nominees from historically marginalized communities.
2026 Submission Deadline: October 5, 2026, at 11:59 PM EDT
Please see additional details and submit your application using this Google Form: https://forms.gle/zFhFJSgMKBHFSxSN9
For questions about this award, please contact Dr. Jenny Phan (Diversity Committee Co-Chair) at jphan25@gmu.edu.