Get the latest autism updates from SPARK, including information about genes and ASD research, webinars, and personal stories from our community.
Our 'genes' page provides short, easy-to-understand descriptions of genes linked to autism. Under 'research', you'll find the latest updates from SPARK and other autism studies. In our 'stories' section, families, scientists and others share their journeys. In our monthly webinars, speakers from the autism community provide useful information for families and people with autism. All are welcome--invitation links are issued in our monthly newsletter. If you have suggestions for webinar topics, please email us at webinars@sparkforautism.org.
Mason was diagnosed with autism at age three. Mason’s mother Cynthia joined SPARK’s community advisory council in 2018. She talks with SPARK about her experience and why the family decided to join SPARK.
A survey of more than 5,000 children with autism reveals that almost all get some type of non-drug treatment. Type and frequency of treatment varies by age and location.
Blake and Jennifer Sando have three reasons for their commitment to autism research: Lizzie, Blake Jr., and Teddy. The Sandos joined the SPARK research study to help scientists learn more about the condition that affects their children.
Elaine Hamilton has spent years helping families of children with disabilities, as a parent mentor, advocate, and volunteer in Ohio. So when a representative of SPARK asked her to tell others about the autism study, she quickly agreed. In fact, she did more than that: she signed up her own family.
Sandra Sermone refused to wait. She had seen her son Tony through heart surgery, a feeding tube, brain scans, countless blood tests, and medical appointments. This little boy who struggled to eat, talk, and play was getting worse. Sermone had three things: a telephone, a computer, and an inability to be discouraged. She would find an answer for what was happening to her child.
In this webinar, Melanie Pellecchia, Ph.D., NCSP, BCBA, discusses advances in early autism treatment and strategies to support parents in the implementation of early intervention techniques. This webinar is 60 minutes long.
Researchers have taken notice of parental stress in families of children with autism. More than a few studies report that parents of children with autism experience more stress than parents of typical-developing children and parents of children with Down Syndrome.
