Special Interests in Autism
Special interests can offer people with autism opportunities to socialize and to highlight their strengths. These interests can sometimes even grow into a career.
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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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Creating a Culture of Prevention: Addressing Autism in Today’s Criminal Justice System
In this webinar, Leigh Ann Davis and Samantha Crane discuss individual strategies and system reforms that could increase the safety of individuals with autism when interacting with police and the criminal justice system. This webinar is 60 minutes long.
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Autism As You Age
In this Facebook Live discussion, Dr. Catherine Lord, a licensed clinical psychologist, discusses how autism evaluations and supports change as individuals with autism get older. She also discusses the value of an autism diagnosis. This discussion is 30 minutes long.
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Anxiety and Autism
In this webinar, Antonio Hardan, a psychiatrist, discusses recent research into anxiety and autism. He also discusses ways that children and adults with autism can manage anxiety. This webinar is 60 minutes long.
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SCN2A: An Evolving Picture
The SCN2A gene has traditionally been linked to early-onset epilepsy. But new research suggests it might account for roughly 1 in 333 cases of autism.
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Employment and ASD: Preparing for the World of Work
In this webinar, Ernst VanBergeijk, a professor at Lesley University, discusses employment and job trends for people with autism, skills that help individuals with autism gain and retain jobs and how employers and co-workers can create an autism-friendly workplace. This webinar is 60 minutes long.
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ADHD, Anxiety and Autism?
Some researchers believe that conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), anxiety disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and depression are “under-recognized” in youth with autism, which, in turn, “hampers clinical care and treatment.” After all, how can you treat what you don’t diagnose?
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Study Spotlight: GEARS Study
Scientists aim to uncover how genetic and environmental factors might interact to raise risk for autism.
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What Is The ABLE Act?
In this webinar, Stuart Spielman, J.D. discusses the history of the ABLE Act, how many states have implemented ABLE and how ABLE accounts work. This webinar is 60 minutes long.
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Finding New Treatments for Autism
Testing new therapies for autism can be a challenge. Psychiatrist Jeremy Veenstra-VanderWeele reviews available treatments, outlines some promising options on the horizon and describes how to get involved in research.
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