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.
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Spotlight: Trudi Sullivan Raises Awareness of an ‘Invisible’ Generation
When Trudi Sullivan was being evaluated for an autism spectrum disorder, she was ushered into a room that included a child-sized chair. That chair was a reminder that she was getting her diagnosis later than most people — decades later.
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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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A Passion for Science: Spotlight on the Diamond-Robey Family
Dylan Robey loves insects, all of them, even the dreaded cockroach. Like many people with autism, Dylan has what researchers call a special interest, in his case, in bugs. Others might call it a passion for the unappreciated.
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Community Spotlight: Jennifer Kelly
Jennifer Kelly took her son to a specialist because he was having behavior problems at school. But the doctor’s initial diagnosis didn’t seem right.
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Three Reasons to Join SPARK: The Sando Family
The Sandos have three reasons for their commitment to autism research: Lizzie, Blake, and Teddy.
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Community Spotlight: Advocate Elaine Hamilton
Elaine Hamilton spent years helping families of children with disabilities. So when she was asked to publicize SPARK, she decided to go a step further.
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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.
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