We are proud of the work we have achieved for autism services in Northern Ireland. Over the years, we have received a number of prestigious awards in recognition of our work in Northern Ireland.

Several women smile and pose together with an award

Families First Outstanding Achievement Award

Autism NI was recognised at the ‘Families First Awards’ in May 2022 for our lobbying and advocacy work in the passing of the Autism (Amendment) Act 2022.

Autism NI CEO Kerry Boyd said, “Although we are proud of our achievements, we know how much more needs to be done! We will keep lobbying and striving to ensure that our autism community gets the respect, support, and services it deserves.”

Two people smile and pose together with an award

UK Employer of the Year Award

Autism NI won the UK Employer of the Year at The Investors in People Awards in 2021. The Northern Ireland Charity beat off heavy competition from hundreds of organisations throughout the UK to win the prestigious award.

Autism NI achieved this award through their positive impact on staff investment. 

Two people smile and pose together with an award

CO3 Best Newcomer Award

Autism NI CEO Kerry Boyd won the 'Best Newcomer' Award at the CO3 Leadership Awards in 2019.

Kerry Boyd comments, "I am very proud to have won this prestigious award for leading a forward-thinking and dedicated staff team at Autism NI. By being part of this team for over ten years, I have seen the Charity develop and deliver vital services for the autism community across Northern Ireland and I am proud to build on this success."

As a newcomer CEO; Kerry’s resilience, passion and dedication at a time of unprecedented need has enabled the Charity to expand services, maximise reach and deliver outcomes to meet the needs of the autism community.

Woman smiles and poses with a families first award

Families First ‘Goldstar Services to Children’ Award

Autism NI won the 'Goldstar Services to Children Award' at the Families First Awards in May 2019. Autism NI were nominated by parents, which makes this award even more special. The Family Support team work hard to deliver vital services for all autistic people and families.

Several people smile and pose together with an award

CO3 ‘Lifetime Commitment’ Award

Autism NI's former CEO, Dr Arlene Cassidy MBE, was recognised at the annual CO3 awards in 2016, for her work in the area of learning disability and her specialism in autism which extends back over 25 years.  

She won this prestigious prize specifically for her work in research, service development and taking the strategic lead in the development of an internationally acclaimed early intervention programme for autism. She was also congratulated for ensuring social change through a community development and partnership ethos which led to the successful political lobby and implementation of the Autism Act (NI) in 2011. 

Lloyds TSB Overall UK Championing Change Award graphic

Lloyds TSB Overall UK ‘Championing Change’ Award

Autism NI was presented with the award at Banking Hall, the historic London Headquarters of Lloyds Bank, in London. In 2015, Autism NI was selected as the overall UK winner of Lloyds TSB Foundation 'Championing Change' award, beating competition from England, Wales, and the Channel Islands.

The 'Championing Change' award honoured the Charity that had a significant impact on policy, commissioning, practice, or debate at a local or national level. Autism NI spent years campaigning to bring in legal recognition of the condition that culminated in the Autism Act (NI) 2011. The Charity worked tirelessly with parents and politicians to bring about this legislation.
 

Two men in suits smile and pose with an award

Investors In People

Autism NI has secured a much sought after accreditation from 'Investors in People' for our excellence in the workplace. This award represents a huge achievement for the Charity and reflects the hard work and dedication of our staff and the lengths they go to to provide further support autistic people and their families.

Several people smiling and posing with an award

Co3 ‘Third Sector Chairperson of the Year’ Award

In 2012, David Heatley from Autism NI won the 'Third Sector Chairperson of the Year' Award.

David set up and led the Parents Autism Lobby (PAL), which was critical to securing the Autism Act (NI) 2011. David continues to ensure Autism NI will have an influential role in the effective implementation of the legislation. David's strength of leadership had truly set him apart, as well as his ability to lead change for the greater good. 
 

A woman smiles and poses with an award

Lloyds TSB Overall ‘Championing Change’ Award

Autism NI was selected as the overall Northern Ireland winner of the Championing Change Charity Award from Lloyds TSB Foundation. 

Several people smile and pose with an award

CO3 Voyager Leadership Award for Political Impact

In 2010, Dr Arlene Cassidy MBE (Former CEO Autism NI) received the Voyager Award for Political Impact on behalf of work with Autism NI. The independent CO3 judging panel had commended Autism NI for its consultation with and empowerment of a regional network of families to promote a cause and to address a great inequality within the disability sector.

A group of women smile and pose together

Glaxosmithkline Impact Award

In 2008, Autism NI was the national winner of The King's Fund and GlaxoSmithKline Impact Award which was held in the National Gallery in London.

The annual GlaxoSmithKline Impact Awards are run in partnership with the King's Fund to recognise and promote excellence in community healthcare. Autism NI was one of ten Charities from across the UK to be honoured with the Award.