Save the date for this annual conference organized by the Flutie Foundation and Children Making Strides!  The conference will once again take place at the Sheraton Norwood in Norwood, MA. 

To register, Click here to download the brochure for this year's conference along with the schedule and list of presenters.   

Congratulations to the winner of the 2010 Doug Flutie Jr. Award:  Nicholas Stephen! 

It was a difficult decision as we had many dedicated and deserving nominees.  However, Nicholas stood out as a result of his accomplishments as a young adult with autism and the large number of nominations he received from various individuals in the community. 

Nicholas Stephen, a senior at Plymouth High School, was diagnosed with autism as a young child.  Through the efforts of his hard work and the tireless advocacy of his parents, Nicholas has been able to overcome many of the challenges that come with the diagnosis of autism.  He is a very talented artist and has earned the status of an accomplished piano player.  In 2001, he received the Arc of Greater Plymouth's Most Accomplished Person Award for his musical abilities on the piano.  Nicholas is on the Honor Roll for academic achievement at North Plymouth High School and also a member of the sailing team.  His strong work ethic and love of learning has also earned him acceptance into three colleges.  In college, he hopes to pursue his life long love of science by majoring in astronomy and earth science.  Nicholas also works with his mom to raise funds for a local non-profit fundraising gala and has volunteered for other fundraising events as well. 
 
Congratulations Nicholas!  Your hard work and determination is an inspiration to everyone you meet.  

Each year as part of our annual conference, the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation and Children Making Strides award the Doug Flutie, Jr. Award to a person who has shown great commitment and dedication to raising awareness of autism spectrum disorder, or has made a significant impact in the lives of individuals with autism.  The award recipient can be a parent, teacher, advocate, individual with autism spectrum disorder or anyone else who has made a difference in the autism community.