Life with Autism, Times Five
The McBrides, one of the first families to join SPARK, have five family members with autism. SPARK found a genetic diagnosis for one of them.
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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.
The Autism Journey of the Rivera-Padua Family
Despite Hurricane Maria and a move, a family keeps its focus on helping a son, and others, with autism.
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Five Years Along, the Stein Family and SPARK
In 2016, the Steins joined a new autism study called SPARK. What’s happened with them, and SPARK, since then?
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Teen Advocate Avery Cormier Likes “Making Friends with the World”
Teen artist Avery Cormier finds community among youth with autism.
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A Genetic Diagnosis Surprises an Ohio Family
When the McGregors joined SPARK, they did not expect to learn the cause of their son’s autism. Then came an email from SPARK about genetic results.
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At 30 Years Old, a Genetic Diagnosis
Decades after their son was diagnosed with autism, the Jarboe family learned that he has a gene change in one of his chromosomes, structures inside cells that contain our DNA.
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Spotlight: Denise Lombardi Advocates for Autism and Epilepsy Research
The Lombardis joined SPARK to help scientists learn more about autism and epilepsy, which both affect son RJ. They want better treatments to reduce the risks of seizures. “This is a matter of life or death,” RJ’s mother says.
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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.
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Unlocking Skills in Autism: Spotlight on the Lurvey Family
Kaylee Lurvey may go years without saying a word, and then speak a complete sentence. Her family hopes researchers will discover ways to unlock speech and other skills in people like Kaylee.
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Community Spotlight: Blogger and Nonprofit Leader Leigh Merryday Porch
Leigh Merryday Porch, a mother of a son with autism, wants to help researchers find out why autism affects people so differently. That’s one of the reasons she joined SPARK.
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