A Genetic Diagnosis Illuminates a Troublesome Symptom
After enrolling in SPARK, the Meiles learned that their son has a change in the POGZ gene. The diagnosis helps explain a mysterious health issue.
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The articles and webinars below highlight the latest autism research findings made possible by SPARK participants, researchers, and others throughout the world. You can also read about the autism journeys of SPARK families.
To browse through our articles, webinars, and family stories by topic, view our Topics in Autism page.
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The Fight for Tony: A Mother’s Quest to Unravel a Mystery and Push Autism Research Forward
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.
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Supporting Parents in Early Autism Treatment
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.
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Stress and the Autism Parent
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.
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Caregiver Stress in Families of Children with Autism
In this webinar, Amy Keefer, Ph.D., ABPP, discusses parental stress and coping strategies in families of children with autism. This is a joint webinar with SSC@IAN (Simons Simplex Collection at the Interactive Autism Network). This webinar is 60 minutes long.
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Autism Research on Making Friends and Improving Social Skills
In this webinar, Micah Mazurek, Ph.D., and Latha Soorya, Ph.D. discuss their research on making friends and improving social skills for individuals with autism. This webinar is 60 minutes long.
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Researcher Spotlight: Karen Pierce
Pierce is searching for ways to identify subtypes of autism and the treatments that will work best for them.
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What SPARK Gives Back to Its Participants
In this webinar, Pamela Feliciano, Ph.D. and Kiely Law, M.D., MPH discuss what information SPARK returns and how the program does this. This webinar is 60 minutes long.
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Bullying and Autism
In this webinar, Connie Anderson, Ph.D. discusses risk factors, solutions, and the consequences of bullying for individuals with autism. This webinar is 60 minutes long.
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Antonio Hardan: Anxiety and Autism
The psychiatrist and researcher discusses why it can be difficult to diagnose anxiety in people with autism and describes some of the most effective treatments.
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