Jill Escher to Receive the 2026 Caryn Schwartzman Spirit Award at 13th Annual ASF Day of Learning
New York, NY – February 4, 2026 – The Autism Science Foundation (ASF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and funding innovative autism research, announced today that national autism research advocate Jill Escher will receive the 2026 Caryn Schwartzman Spirit Award. The announcement was made by ASF Board Chair Jonah Zimiles. The award recognizes outstanding autism research advocacy by family members of individuals with autism.
The award will be presented at ASF’s Thirteenth Annual Day of Learning event on March 26, 2026, at 583 Park Ave., in New York City.
Escher’s work in autism advocacy began after two of her children were diagnosed with severe autism. In 2018, she co-founded the National Council on Severe Autism to address gaps left by mainstream advocacy organizations and to ensure that the needs of individuals with profound autism are recognized by policymakers, researchers, the media, and the public. Jill is also the founder of the Escher Fund for Autism, which supports research into the “missing heritability” of autism. She is widely known for challenging conventional narratives about autism and for advocating for rigorous, evidence-based research that reflects the lived reality of families affected by profound autism. At the local level, Escher revitalized the Autism Society San Francisco Bay Area in 2012, serving as president for seven years and continuing to serve on its board today. Under her leadership, the organization expanded its reach to support thousands of families through education, advocacy, and community-building initiatives, hosting hundreds of inclusive events for individuals with autism and their families. In addition, through Claradon Properties, LLC, Escher has provided subsidized housing for adults with autism and related disorders in the Santa Cruz area, supporting independent living for more than 20 individuals.
“Jill is a force of nature and has been a huge inspiration for families worldwide and for me personally,” said Alison Singer, President of ASF. “Her commitment to asking tough questions, never taking no for an answer, advancing rigorous research, and centering the needs of individuals with profound autism has helped drive meaningful progress that has improved the lives of people with severe autism and their families.”
The Caryn Schwartzman Spirit Award is presented annually to family advocates whose energy, dedication, and commitment to advancing autism research and improving the lives of individuals with autism reflect Caryn Schwartzman’s legacy. Caryn was a devoted mother and tireless advocate who worked with the National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR), Autism Speaks, and the Autism Science Foundation to raise funds for research and promote progress in autism science.
The award will be presented by Caryn’s daughter, Allyson Schwartzman Hoffman.
ASF’s Day of Learning will feature TED-style talks by leading autism researchers, offering insights into the latest advances in autism science and clinical research. Register for this year’s Day of Learning here: autismsciencefoundation.org/13th-annual-day-of-learning.
About the Autism Science Foundation
The Autism Science Foundation (ASF) is a 501(c)(3) public charity. Its mission is to fund breakthrough research that will improve the lives of people with autism. To learn more about the Autism Science Foundation or to make a donation, visit www.autismsciencefoundation.org.
ASF Media Contact:
C.J. Volpe
Autism Science Foundation
cvolpe@autismsciencefoundation.org