Discover 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.

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Helping Students with Autism Navigate Back-to-School Time

Returning to school after summer vacation can be hard for any child. For a student with autism, this time of year can be especially stressful. Students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have trouble adjusting to change. In fact, “insistence on sameness” and “difficulties with transition” are symptoms of ASD. A new classroom, schedule, teachers, classmates, or new school can trigger distress far beyond the typical back-to-school blues.

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Teaching Safety Skills to Children with Autism

In this webinar, Bridget Taylor, Psy.D., BCBA-D, cofounder and executive director of Alpine Learning Group, a school for students with autism, reviews skills and techniques that help to ensure the safety of individuals with autism. This webinar is 45 minutes long.

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A Father’s Tale

John Smigle says that participating in typical activities, like boy scouts and baseball, has helped his son Christopher, who has autism, develop social skills.

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Autism Research From an Autism Dad

In this webinar, Kevin Pelphrey, Ph.D., a professor and neuroscientist, discusses his experiences as the father of a daughter and son with autism. He also discusses how these experiences have shaped his work as a scientist. This webinar is 60 minutes long.

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