Winners of the prestigious National Autistic Society Autism Professional Awards were named in a special ceremony at the Royal Hall in Harrogate on March 4.
Winners were nominated for their work in fields of education, careers, and making a big difference to the lives of those diagnosed with autism throughout the UK. Victors were chosen by an independent board of autism experts.
Winners are as follows:
- Award for Inspirational Education Provision: Newcastle College’s Autism Support Team
- Award for Outstanding Adult Service: NAS Autism and Ageing Project
- Award for Clinical Excellence, sponsored by NUA Healthcare: Midlands Psychology
- Award for Innovative Family Support: Midlands Psychology
- Best New Technological Innovation, sponsored by Network Autism: Kingwood, with the Helen Hamlyn Centre
- Award for Most Creative Community Project: Scottish Autism, ‘The Tree and the Abbey’ production
- The Axcis Award for Achievement by an Individual Education Professional: Bozena Marczyk
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Rita Jordan
- Autism Accreditation Excellence Award: Lincolnshire Pathfinder Social Communication Team
The awards were hosted by Australian chick lit author and blogger Kathy Lette and comedian and blogger John Williams.
Carol Povey, Director of The National Autistic Society’s Centre for Autism, said:
“The winners should be commended for standing out from a truly exceptional shortlist.
‘The finalists highlight some of the groundbreaking work going on across the UK to improve the lives of people affected by autism. It is important that we share their achievements so that other individuals and organisations can follow in their footsteps and ensure we live in a world where people with autism can reach their full potential.
‘With the right support people with autism can live the life they choose.”