Unleash your creativity in the Organization for Autism Research’s Youth Art Contest! This year’s theme is “Courage,” inviting school-aged children to share their visions and aspirations through art. Whether abstract or literal, this contest is a chance for young artists to express their unique perspectives and imagination. We can’t wait to see their creativity shine!
The contest is open to autistic youth and autism allies. We will announce winners at the beginning of Autism Acceptance Month in April and feature the art on our website and social media.
The Art Contest is now closed.
Keep Me Informed
Thank you to Blick Art Materials for sponsoring the Youth Art Contest.
Award Categories
Art contest submissions will be accepted and judged in two categories, each broken down into separate age groups.
Autistic Youth:
8 years old & under
9 – 13 years old
14 years old & older
Autistic Siblings, Relatives, and Friends:
10 years old & under
11 – 18 years old
Art Contest Winners
Dragon Within by Charlotte P.
Grand Prize Winner
Flying Pixel by Nehemiah J.
Autistic Youth Age 8 & Under
Courage from the Bottom of the Food Chain by Quinnlin D.
Autistic Youth Age 9 – 13
Escape by Sammy H.
Autistic Youth Age 14+
Leap of Courage by Eden C.
Autism Ally Age 10 & Under
Window of Opportunity by Allison S.
Autism Ally Age 11-18
Dreambound Escape by Kathryn C.
Grand Prize Winner
All My Friends: Animals by Arman M.
Autistic Youth Age 8 & Under
I Have a Dream by Charles W.
Autistic Youth Age 9 – 13
My Dream Horse by Gibson R.
Autistic Youth Age 14+
Window to My Dreams by Aarnav R.
Autism Ally Age 10 & Under
Follow the True Light by Hyunseo R.
Autism Ally Age 11-18
February’s Flower by Nicholas C.
Grand Prize Winner
Monarch by Charles W.
Autistic Youth Age 8 & Under
Blossoming by Justus K.
Autistic Youth Age 9 – 13
Amelia – A Self Love Portrait by Layla C.
Autistic Youth Age 14+
Angels of Growth by Ishee J.
Autism Ally Age 10 & Under
The Track to Growth by Hailey K.
Autism Ally Age 11-18
Love Blooming by Indiana C.
Grand Prize Winner
My People by Noah M.
Autistic Youth Age 8 & Under
The Grand Community by Braydon S.
Autistic Youth Age 9 – 13
You Are Not Alone by Melody M.
Autistic Youth Age 14+
Adventures with My Brother by Adhvay R.
Autism Ally Age 10 & Under
Community and Autism: We are United! by Tanuj S.
Autism Ally Age 11-18
Celebrating A Time For Change by Gabrielle D.
Grand Prize Winner
Dandelion by Jenny B.
Autistic Youth Age 8 & Under
Happy New Year by Braydon S.
Autistic Youth Age 9 – 13
Celebration by Varun V.
Autistic Youth Age 14+
Celebrating Dog by Lexi M.
Autism Ally Age 10 & Under
Together We Will Touch The Sky by Nadia F.
Autism Ally Age 11-18
Me and My Very Best Friend Sterling by Sean R.
Grand Prize Winner
Nature Friends by Will D.
Autistic Youth Age 8 and Under Winner
Friends Help Each Other by Achille M.
Autistic Youth Age 9 – 13 Winner
We Are All Unique as Stars by Aidan L.
Autistic Youth Age 14+ Winner
Peacock Pals bySage L.
Autism Ally Age 8 and Under Winner
A String of Friendship by Melody M.
Autism Ally Age 9-13 Winner
Two Ideas in One by Brooke T.
Autism Ally Age 14+ Winner
2026 Art Contest Judges
Tom Coomber
Autistic Artist
Tom is a British autistic artist working mainly in acrylic paints as they allow him to recreate something of the vividness with which he perceives the world. He was shortlisted for the Royal Academy Summer Show in 2022 and had a joint exhibition at Asylum Studios, Bentwaters in May 2023.
Tama Anderson
Autistic Artist
Tama Anderson is an autistic artist and accessibility advocate based in Washington, DC. Having grown up surrounded by it, she now has a deep love for all things music. During the day, she works as the DC Sales Rep for American AV, an audiovisual event support company. In her free time, she performs at local music venues and in creative arts festivals.
Antonio Myers
Autistic Artist
Antonio Myers is a member of the Self-Advocate Advisory Council of The Organization of Autism Research. He is a neurodivergent individual who is a neighborly empath and a social butterfly. He enjoys animals and nature. For fun, he enjoys plays, painting, and ceramics.
Heather Jeff
Artist & Entrepreneur
Heather Jeff was an art student and a special education teacher. Today, she owns Tacos Yes Please, where she helps nonprofits and small businesses with fundraising and events. Her love of tacos, art, and kids runs deep, and she is delighted to have an opportunity to review artwork with OAR.
Austin D. Morris
Artist
Austin D. Morris is an artist and creative professional dedicated to expanding opportunities in the arts. Specializing in digital illustration and printmaking, his work explores identity and accessibility. He currently works at Art Enables, a studio and gallery that supports the careers of adult artists with disabilities.
D.J. Svoboda
Autistic Artist
D.J. Svoboda, born in 1982, was diagnosed at the age of 3 with Autism Spectrum Disorder with psychomotor retardation, which included speech delays and issues with his fine motor skills. He found it difficult to even hold a pencil. Today, D.J. is a dynamic, motivational public speaker, an accomplished artist, and an author with three books to his credit; My Imagiville, The Mupperezmo and the Rainbow, and The Inspirations of Imagiville. His support group, ImagiTeam refers to, the community of supporters, friends, and followers of DJ Svoboda and his organization,
Giselle Pritzlaff
Autistic Artist
Hello! I’m Giselle, also known as sellestial_illustrations on Instagram. Currently residing in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, I will graduate in 2025 from the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design with a Bachelor’s in Illustration. When I’m not creating art, you can find me listening to music or reorganizing my Death Note collection.
John Williams
Autistic Artist
John is a professional artist who happens to have autism. He creates very detailed cut paper collages, both portraits and landscapes. “The collage process is a metaphor for my daily life dealing with autism,” John says. “For me, the world is a chaotic place. Art allows me to channel my thoughts, reduce anxiety, and create unique images that will remain as my legacy. I hope to inspire other artists on the Spectrum to follow their creative genius.”
Art Contest Updates
Thank you for your interest in the Organization for Autism Research’s Youth Art Contest! The contest is not currently accepting entries. If you would like to be notified about future Youth Art Contests, please fill out the form below.
