SPARK Snapshots: A Window Into the Autism Journey

SPARK Snapshots summarize the data that we have collected. View our latest, which provides a window into the journey of SPARK participants.

Read 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?

Read More

Webinar: Girls and Autism

In this recorded webinar, Ericka Wodka, Ph.D., discusses recent research on autism in girls and women.

Read More

Is Autism Different in Girls?

Is autism different in girls? Learn how SPARK participants are helping researchers create a clearer picture of girls on the spectrum.

Read More

Neurodiversity: Mary Lipiec’s Journey

Mary Lipiec got a letter asking her to join an autism study called SPARK. But first, she had one question: Were they looking for a cure?

Read More

Finding Answers for a Daughter’s Autism through Research

Heather Bensch knew her daughter was different since infancy. Twenty years later, SPARK told her it had discovered why.

Read More

The Long, Long Road to Autism Diagnoses

A SPARK family had early suspicions that their children might have autism, but that did not lead to early diagnoses. Why was their journey so long?

Read More

Black, Mother, Wife, and Autistic: The Intersectionality of Motherhood

Since her diagnosis, Vonda better understands how she interacts with the world, interacts with her husband and mother, and how she mothers her three sons.

Read More

Debunking Autism Stereotypes: Cami’s Story

Camryn did not fit the stereotype of someone with autism. Did that delay her diagnosis?

Read More

The Preemie with a Fighting Spirit

Hunter came into the world 13 weeks early, a tiny preemie with a big spirit. Now a teen, Hunter, who has autism, continues to astound his family.

Read More