Knowing Your Baby Has Autism, Before Everyone Else
Julia knew her daughter had autism by the time the girl was only 1. How could she be so sure?
Learn MoreTopic: SPARK family stories
Since 2016, hundreds of thousands of people throughout the U.S. have joined SPARK. Many have shared their autism and research journeys with us. These family stories are about everyday life, triumphs, challenges, and why finding answers through SPARK’s autism research is important.
Browse Topics A-Z
Once Blamed for Her Son’s Autism, Mother Learns the Real Cause From SPARK
In 1970, a doctor blamed Arletta Rinier for her son’s autism. Five decades later, she learned the real reason for his autism from the SPARK study.
Learn More
Making the World a Kinder Place for Children With Severe Autism
Twins Kira and Aliya share many things: a bright smile, a love of art, and a strong resemblance to each other. The 10-year-olds also share the same condition: severe autism.
Learn More
An Autism Diagnosis in Adulthood, A New Path to Follow
Many things changed for Braxton Webb in his 30s. He learned he has autism and began working with autistic children. Now he’s raising two sons, one with autism and one with ADHD. Follow his journey.
Learn More
Traveling the Distance to Help an Autistic Child
How far will parents go to help their autistic child? For one SPARK family, the distance could be measured in continents.
Learn More
A Father’s Concern for the Future for an Autistic Son
A father spent years looking for ways to help his autistic son. That search led him to SPARK.
Learn More
Surprising News for Two Members of a SPARK Family
When a mother and her autistic son sent DNA samples to the SPARK study, they had no reason to suspect that they would both get genetic news.
Learn More
The Abstract, Cool World of Eliza
Eliza had an ADHD diagnosis growing up, but she knew there was more. In her 20s, she learned that she’s autistic. Why did it take so long?
Learn More
A Mother’s Push for Answers Leads to Autism Diagnoses
What do you do when you think your child might have autism, but others don’t? How one mother’s push for answers led to two diagnoses.
Learn More
The Struggle to Identify Autism in Girls: Sarah’s Story
Sarah had many classic signs of autism, but no one suspected it in the quiet girl who never made a fuss. Why did she have to wait until adulthood to get a diagnosis?
Learn More
Bobby Durbin Finds Community, Challenges Expectations
Bobby’s family included him in everything since childhood, helping others to understand his autism. Now 35, he’s a big part of his community.
Learn More