Diagnosed with autism at the age of three, Haley Moss’ parents were told that she might not ever finish high school or earn a driver’s license. Today, she is a neurodiversity expert, keynote speaker, educator, lawyer, and the author of several books that guide neurodivergent individuals through professional and personal challenges. Haley is a consultant to top corporations and nonprofits that seek her guidance in creating an inclusive workplace, and she is a sought-after commentator on disability rights and the Americans With Disabilities Act.
Haley’s books include Great Minds Think Differently: Neurodiversity for Lawyers and Other Professionals, The Young Autistic Adult’s Independence Handbook, Talking the Talk About Autism: How to Share and Tell Your Story, A Freshman Survival Guide for College Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Middle School — The Stuff Nobody Tells You About: A Teenage Girl With High-Functioning Autism Shares Her Experiences. Her articles have appeared in outlets including the Washington Post, Teen Vogue, GQ, Bustle, Fast Company, Law 360 Pulse, and the ABA Journal.
Haley is determined to make the world more accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities and to encourage others to embrace neurodiversity. Dedicated to giving back to her community, Haley contributes her time to the Starkloff Disability Institute, Disability Rights Florida, Florida Lawyers Assistance, and other organizations that promote access and inclusion.
Haley earned her law degree from the University of Miami School of Law and was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2019. She is the recipient of awards and honors including the Forbes 30 Under 30 Local (2023), American Bar Association Solo, Small Firm, and General Practice Division’s Breaking Barriers Award (2021), D-30 Disability Impact List (2021), Road Less Traveled Award from Ms. JD (2020), Outstanding Self-Advocate Award from University of Miami — Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (2018), and Publix Self-Advocate of the Year from the Palm Beach County Special Needs Advisory Coalition (2018).
Haley lives in Miami, Florida, and is a fan of the Pokémon series, Taylor Swift, drawing and painting, and video games. She can be found on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and YouTube.
The Cruz-Whitehurst Advocacy Award is named in honor of two remarkable women, Michelle Cruz and Marie-Ilene Whitehurst. Both were early supporters of CARD and introduced the idea of Tropical Nights in 2003, to help raise funds for our organization. Michelle and Marie-Ilene contributed to CARD in ways that transformed our program and its impact on the community. In addition to being mothers of children on the autism spectrum and CARD clients, both also served with distinction on the CARD Constituency Board where they helped guide programmatic priorities and fundraising efforts that continue to sustain the important work of CARD.
