Author and Advocate Liane Kupferberg Carter to Receive the Autism Science Foundation’s 2017 Caryn Schwartzman Spirit Award
Author of Acclaimed Memoir “Ketchup is My Favorite Vegetable: A Family Grows Up with Autism”
NEW YORK, NY (January 26, 2017) – The Autism Science Foundation (ASF), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting and funding innovative autism research, today announced that Liane Kupferberg Carter, a nationally-known writer and advocate for the autism community, will receive this year’s Caryn Schwartzman Spirit Award, which recognizes excellence in autism advocacy. The award will be presented at the fourth annual “Day of Learning,” ASF’s science conference for the autism community, on Thursday, March 30 in New York.
The Caryn Schwartzman Spirit Award is presented annually to a parent advocate whose energy, tenacity, and commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals with autism best emulates Caryn’s. Caryn was a loving and dedicated mom, and a tireless advocate who worked with the National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR), Autism Speaks and the Autism Science Foundation to raise money, advance autism research and improve the lives of children around the country.
“We are delighted to present the Caryn Schwartzman Spirit Award to this incredible woman who has dedicated her life to advocating for the needs of people with autism,” says Alison Singer, president and co-founder of Autism Science Foundation. “Liane’s new memoir about her son, Mickey, who struggles with a double diagnosis of both autism and epilepsy, speaks to the real-life challenges those with autism and their families cope with every day and the importance of autism research.”
“I am grateful and proud to be this year’s award recipient. Caryn’s determined advocacy on behalf of the autism community was an inspiration to so many of us,” says Ms. Kupferberg Carter. “In today’s new political reality, our dedication and activism on behalf of people with disabilities will matter more than ever. This award serves as a reminder to me that we must all redouble our efforts and energy to ensure better lives for everyone affected by autism.”
Kupferberg Carter is the author of the new memoir Ketchup is My Favorite Vegetable: A Family Grows Up with Autism from Jessica Kingsley Publishers. She has served on the Stakeholder Board of the Autism Science Foundation; is a board member of Matan, a nonprofit organization that advocates for Jewish students with special needs, and is an ambassador for C.U.R.E. (Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy.) A community activist, she co-founded the special education PTA in her school district and the town’s sports league for children with special needs, and co-authored a parent resource handbook for the school system. Her articles and essays, many of which focus on the impact ASD has on the individual and their families, have appeared in many publications, including the New York Times, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Huffington Post, Parents, Brain Child Magazine, and PBS Next Avenue.
The Caryn Schwartzman Spirit Award will be presented at the Autism Science Foundation’s “Day of Learning” event, which will feature TED-style talks by the nation’s top autism scientists, clinicians and service providers who will discuss the latest developments in autism research, treatment and services to an audience including parents, students, individuals with autism, and other autism community stakeholders.
Tickets for the “Day of Learning,” which includes lunch, are available online beginning February 1. Proceeds from the conference will benefit the Foundation’s pre- and post- doctoral autism fellowship programs, which support early career research conducted by the nation’s most promising young autism scientists.
About the Autism Science Foundation
The Autism Science Foundation (ASF) is a 501(c) (3) public charity. Its mission is to support autism research by providing funding to scientists and organizations conducting autism research. ASF also provides information about autism to the general public and serves to increase awareness of autism spectrum disorders and the needs of individuals and families affected by autism. To learn more about the Autism Science Foundation or to make a donation visit www.autismsciencefoundation.org.