Three Reasons to Join SPARK: The Sando Family
The Sandos have three reasons for their commitment to autism research: Lizzie, Blake, and Teddy.
Learn MoreDiscover SPARK
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.
Browse Topics A-Z
Autism Treatment Across the Country
A survey of more than 5,000 children with autism reveals that almost all get some type of non-drug treatment.
Learn More
Community Spotlight: Advocate Elaine Hamilton
Elaine Hamilton spent years helping families of children with disabilities. So when she was asked to publicize SPARK, she decided to go a step further.
Learn More
What We Are Learning About Genetics and Autism
In this webinar, Wendy Chung, M.D., Ph.D., shares more about what SPARK is learning from its genetic research. This webinar is 60 minutes long.
Learn More
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.
Learn More
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.
Learn More
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.
Learn More
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.
Learn More
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.
Learn More
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.
Learn More