What Information SPARK Collects, and Why
Dr. LeeAnne Green-Snyder describes what information SPARK collects and why.
Read MoreRead more about: Autism research
Get the latest autism updates from SPARK, including information about genes and ASD research, webinars, and personal stories from our community.
Our ‘genes’ page provides short, easy-to-understand descriptions of genes linked to autism. Under ‘research’, you’ll find the latest updates from SPARK and other autism studies. In our ‘stories’ section, families, scientists and others share their journeys. In our monthly webinars, speakers from the autism community provide useful information for families and people with autism. All are welcome–invitation links are issued in our monthly newsletter. If you have suggestions for webinar topics, please email us at webinars@sparkforautism.org.
Good News for Late Talkers: More Children with Autism Learn to Speak than Previously Believed
Researchers have found that most young children with autism spectrum disorder and severe language delay developed “phrase or fluent” speech by age 8, with almost half achieving fluent speech.
Read More
Community Spotlight: Autism Advocate Rico Winston
The Marine Corps helped instill in Rico Winston a strong belief in duty. So when his son was diagnosed with autism, he knew what he must do. He immersed himself in learning about autism, and advocating for research and services to help others like his son.
Read More
Autism Treatment Across the Country
A survey of more than 5,000 children with autism reveals that almost all get some type of non-drug treatment.
Read More
A Genetic Diagnosis Illuminates a Troublesome Symptom
After enrolling in SPARK, the Meiles learned that their son has a change in the POGZ gene. The diagnosis helps explain a mysterious health issue.
Read More
The Fight for Tony: A Mother’s Quest to Unravel a Mystery and Push Autism Research Forward
Sandra Sermone refused to wait. She had seen her son Tony through heart surgery, a feeding tube, brain scans, countless blood tests, and medical appointments. This little boy who struggled to eat, talk, and play was getting worse. Sermone had three things: a telephone, a computer, and an inability to be discouraged. She would find an answer for what was happening to her child.
Read More
Stress and the Autism Parent
Researchers have taken notice of parental stress in families of children with autism. More than a few studies report that parents of children with autism experience more stress than parents of typical-developing children and parents of children with Down Syndrome.
Read More
Researcher Spotlight: Karen Pierce
Pierce is searching for ways to identify subtypes of autism and the treatments that will work best for them.
Read More
Antonio Hardan: Anxiety and Autism
The psychiatrist and researcher discusses why it can be difficult to diagnose anxiety in people with autism and describes some of the most effective treatments.
Read More
Are Digital Tools the Future of Autism Research?
Learn more about how digital tools can be used in autism research.
Read More