The Harris LaCosta Merit Award

The Harris LaCosta Merit Award was created to increase awareness of the achievements of persons on the autism spectrum.  

Autism Connections recognizes that individuals who receive a diagnosis of autism face many challenges not faced by individuals who do not have an autism diagnosis.  We also know that diagnosis is not destiny. Individuals on the spectrum have demonstrated exceptional achievements in almost every walk of life.  There are many examples of autistic individuals who have achievements well beyond what we see among the general population (e.g., winning gold medals at the World Special Olympics; becoming a world leader in the climate activist community).   Sometimes achievements may not be exceptional by general population standards, but the achievements show incredible personal growth and development (e.g., an individual who has very limited communications skills as a child but over the years becomes fluent in both speech and written word; an exceptionally shy child goes on to become a comedian). 

Many of these individuals go unrecognized or receive limited recognition.  We believe it is important for the public to understand what persons on the autism spectrum can do with adequate supports.  In addition to the celebration of the personal achievements of the recipient, this award will include a prize of $500.