Supersized Research
To understand the genetics of autism, scientists have to study a lot of people. Pamela Feliciano, Ph.D., SPARK’s scientific director, discusses the challenges of engaging a large group in research.
Learn MoreTopic: Advocacy and acceptance
Society’s views about autism have changed significantly over time. But there is still plenty of work to be done to achieve fair and equitable access to services, employment, education, and other resources. Progress must also be made to ensure full inclusion in the community. Read about the experiences of others and learn how to advocate for yourself and the autism community.
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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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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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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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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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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 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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