Eden Autism Services Ceo Peter Bell Named 2014 Insar Advocate Awardee

Princeton, NJ, April 16, 2014 --(PR.com)-- Peter Bell, President & CEO of Eden Autism Services, one of the country’s most respected autism advocates and nonprofit executives has been named the 2014 INSAR Advocate of the Year. INSAR (International Society for Autism Research) provides scientific collaboration, mentorship, and education to better the lives of individuals and families living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The INSAR Advocate Award recognizes the work of someone who has significantly facilitated autism research. Bell will be honored at the International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR) on May 15th in Atlanta, GA.

Bell’s professional history as an advocate for autism research began 10 years ago when he served as the President & CEO of Cure Autism Now (CAN), one of the founding organizations of IMFAR. During his tenure at CAN, he played a critical role in the passage of the federal Combating Autism Act of 2006, helped establish the Autism Treatment Network (ATN) and guided the organization through a period of significant growth, fiscal improvement and community collaboration. In 2007, he championed the merger between CAN and Autism Speaks and assumed the role of Executive Vice President for Programs and Services creating and directing all activities of the Government Relations and Family Services departments for six and a half years.

Bell also co-founded Advancing Futures for Adults with Autism (AFAA) and spearheaded important initiatives in the areas of employment, housing and residential supports for adults with autism. He has represented the autism community as a White House appointee to the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities (PCPID), as co-founder and chair of the Consumer Advisory Committee of INSAR, and serving as Chair/Vice Chair of the Autism Research Program for the Department of Defense. Bell’s commitment to the autism community was inspired by his oldest son Tyler, who was diagnosed with autism in 1996.

“We are honored that Peter has been recognized as the INSAR Advocate of the Year,” says Marie Gary, Chair of Eden Autism Services Board of Trustees. “Peter is an outstanding leader and compassionate voice for the autism community. From his support of research to his strong record of public policy achievements to his many initiatives for enriching the lives of individuals with autism, Peter is absolutely deserving of this recognition. Since joining Eden in February, Peter has infused our organization with new energy and purpose. We are inspired by his extraordinary commitment to individuals with autism and congratulate him on this well-deserved award.”