Awards & Nominations

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Kareem’s Mission Autism Support is proud to launch the Kareem’s Mission Awards, honoring people who live our values of unity, inclusion, hope, advocacy, and transformation.

Annual Awards Luncheon: April 11, 2026 (Autism Awareness Month)

Nomination Window: Opens 12:00 AM November 1 • Closes 11:59 PM March 1 (U.S. Eastern)

Anyone may submit a nomination, including self-nominations. A qualified, impartial judging panel will review all entries with fairness and integrity.

Award Categories & Who Fits

The S.K.I. Award

Service • Kindness • Inclusion
Honors: In the spirit of Dr. John J. “Ski” Sygielski, this award recognizes leaders who expand access, build bridges, and change lives through education, compassion, and inclusive action.

Who fits:

Educators, college/community leaders, program builders, or partners who remove barriers for autistic individuals and their families.

People whose day-to-day decisions have measurably improved belonging, retention, graduation, or opportunity.
 

The A.B.L.E. Award

Advocacy • Bravery • Leadership • Empowerment
Honors: Champions who see ability, not limitation, and change perceptions, systems, or spaces so autistic people can thrive.
Who fits:

Advocates (self-advocates welcome), parents, clinicians, educators, employers, or creators leading practical change.

Individuals who challenge stigma, redesign services, or expand employment/learning opportunities.
 

The U.N.I.T.Y. Award

Understanding • Nurturing • Inclusion • Togetherness • Youth
Honors: Builders of belonging who connect families, schools, and communities, especially lifting up children and young adults.
Who fits:

Community organizers, school partners, youth mentors, nonprofits, or coalitions creating welcoming programs and social connections.
 

The H.O.P.E. Award

H.O.P.E. = Hold On • Pain Ends
Dedicated to: Justin Comb, and to every autistic individual who has faced bullying or marginalization.
Honors: A person or organization advancing mental-health support, suicide prevention, anti-bullying, and compassionate community care.
Who fits:

Mental-health advocates, peer-support leaders, school or workplace initiatives, clinicians, or survivors turning pain into prevention.
 

The L.I.G.H.T. Award

Leadership • Impact • Growth • Hope • Transformation
Honors: Visionary doers whose work lights the way, delivering measurable results and inspiring others to act.
Who fits:

Innovators, founders, program directors, or partners whose initiatives have scaled or replicated and moved the needle on outcomes for autistic individuals and families.