Awards to Indiana individuals, medical professionals and educators who have demonstrated leadership, imagination, compassion, persistence and other traits of excellence in supporting, teaching, advocating for, and treating people with autism. Awards will be given out in several categories:

1) Early Intervention:
A professional or volunteer who demonstrates excellence in the provision of supports to families seeking or adjusting to a new or recent diagnosis to navigate the complexities of the referrals, information, and resource systems.

2) Excellence in Advocacy/Self Advocacy:
An advocate or self-advocate who demonstrates excellence in enhancing the rights of and advancing awareness of the needs and successes of individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families through their work in educational, therapeutic, legal, legislative, and other systems in Indiana at the individual, community or state level.

3) Excellence in Family Leadership:
A family member of an individual with autism who demonstrates excellence as a champion of people with ASD as seen through the perspective of the family.

4) Excellence in Direct Care:
Providers who demonstrate excellence in direct care services to infants, children, youth, and adults with ASD through their work in medical, educational, therapeutic, recreational or other settings using innovative and scientifically supported best practices in partnership with families and other professionals.

5) Excellence in Education:
A teacher or educator who demonstrates excellence in providing special education services and understanding the needs of their students with ASD and goes that extra step.