Coaches for Autism Awareness
February 21 - 28, 2026
Register by February 13, 2026 to receive your puzzle piece pins and join us in celebrating inclusivity, awareness, and the power of movement for the autism community!
Coaches for Autism Awareness (formerly known as Coaches Powering Forward) is an annual initiative bringing the NCAA and High School Basketball communities together to champion the mission of Autism Speaks. This refreshed name reflects feedback from participants and supporters, clarifying the purpose of the program while continuing to celebrate its impact.
Since 2014, Autism Speaks has distributed over 11,000 puzzle piece pins to more than 450 colleges and high schools, giving coaches, staff, and broadcasters a way to promote inclusivity at games. The inspiring Coach Pat Skerry of the Towson Tigers men’s basketball team and Coach Colleen Mullen of the UAlbany Great Danes women’s basketball team continue to lead the program, united by their personal experiences of having children on the spectrum.
“As a coach and a parent of a son on the spectrum, this initiative means a great deal to me. It’s a powerful way for coaches everywhere to use our platform to raise awareness and champion inclusion.”
- John Hirst, Head Basketball Coach, Reagan High School (San Antonio, TX)
Movement isn’t just good for you – it can be a game-changer, especially for autistic people, who often face health challenges such as medication side effects, restricted diets, feeding or gastrointestinal issues, and sleep difficulties. Fitness, nutrition, and sleep are three key areas that are vital to overall health and well-being, and challenges in one area can often impact the others. Coaches for Autism Awareness emphasizes the importance of physical activity while supporting Autism Speaks’ research and providing practical tools to help autistic people live healthier, more fulfilling lives. Improving fitness, nutrition, or sleep may feel overwhelming at first, but with small steps and awareness, you can set your family on a healthier path—making life easier and more joyful for your whole family. Learn more about the importance of health and wellness here.