Fast Brain Growth and Altered Brain Function in Babies Linked to Autism
Two brain imaging studies suggest it is possible to detect autism in high-risk infants as early as 6 months.
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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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A View From Both Sides: Scientist and Father
Kevin Pelphrey, director of the Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Institute at George Washington University, reflects on how having two children with autism has shaped his scientific career.
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Researcher Spotlight: Dr. Craig Erickson
Summers spent at a camp for people with disabilities inspired the psychiatrist to focus on autism.
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SPARK Community Update: Diagnosis Stories
We asked SPARK participants to tell us about how they or their family members were diagnosed with autism and what it means to them.
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What Makes an Autism Gene?
Scientists are regularly discovering new genes that might be linked to autism. How do they know when they have found a linked gene?
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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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Creating Meaningful Individual Education Plans (IEPs): What Parents Need to Know
In this webinar, Jennifer Krumins discusses how parents can take an active role in their child’s educational planning.
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Tips for Preventing Wandering
Wandering is a huge safety concern for families with autism, particularly during the warm summer months.
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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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