CHD8: A Common Cause of Autism
People with changes in this gene have similar symptoms. Scientists hope this knowledge will lead to new treatments and a better understanding of the condition.
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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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Autism Heroes: Ann Palmer
Over the last 20 years, Ann Palmer has helped hundreds, if not thousands, of families get the autism services and support that they need. Palmer has an adult son with autism. She began working in the field when her son, now 33, was about 9 years old.
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Autism Heroes: Sarah Easterling
Sarah Easterling teaches English and science to fourth-graders at Palmer Elementary School in Missouri City, Texas. At Palmer, children with special needs, including autism and dyslexia, join mainstream classes.
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Autism Heroes: Dr. Patricia Manning
Patty Manning, a developmental pediatrician at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in Ohio, sometimes sees patients in unusual places—in a car seat, walking around the hospital’s library, or simply in the clinic hallway. As a specialist treating children with autism spectrum disorders, she follows her patients’ needs and moods on that particular day.
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Autism Heroes: Ariana Viscione
Ariana Viscione, age 23, is an outspoken advocate for herself and others.
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Q&A with Kathy Koenig
Kathy Koenig describes the programs that she has developed tp help girls with autism learn to socialize and form friendships.
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In Genetic Diagnosis, a Path Forward
Discovering their son’s genetic diagnosis helps one family in many ways.
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Girls and Women on the Spectrum: Challenges with Diagnosis and Intervention
The speaker for our eighth webinar is Kathy Koenig, MSN, director of the Initiative for Girls and Women with Autism Spectrum Disorder and associate research scientist at the Yale Child Study Center. In this webinar, Koenig discusses the complexities of diagnosing girls and women with autism and describes the different challenges for intervention that families face. She also offers some thoughts about how parents can create learning and social opportunities for their daughters. This webinar is 60 minutes long.
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Is Autism Genetic?
The speaker for our seventh webinar is Wendy Chung, M.D., Ph.D., principal investigator of SPARK. In this webinar, Dr. Chung discusses basic genetic concepts and shares recent scientific progress in autism genetic research. She also talks about the genetic aspect of SPARK. This webinar is 60 minutes long.
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“Adulting”: Effectively Preparing Individuals with ASD
Mary E. McDonald discusses how to prepare children and teens with ASD for adulthood.
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