When Autism Symptoms are Severe: The Escher Family Story
Jonny and Sophie share some severe symptoms of autism, but like any two siblings, they have their own preferences, from music to skiing.
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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.
Webinar: Understanding Aggression in Autism
In this recorded webinar, Micah Mazurek discusses what is known about the prevalence, risk factors, and treatment of aggression in individuals with autism.
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Understanding Aggressive Behavior in Autism
Some people with autism struggle with aggression. What do we know about this behavior?
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Researcher Spotlight: Karen Pierce
Pierce is searching for ways to identify subtypes of autism and the treatments that will work best for them.
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ADHD, Anxiety and Autism?
Some researchers believe that conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), anxiety disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and depression are “under-recognized” in youth with autism, which, in turn, “hampers clinical care and treatment.” After all, how can you treat what you don’t diagnose?
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Finding New Treatments for Autism
Testing new therapies for autism can be a challenge. Psychiatrist Jeremy Veenstra-VanderWeele reviews available treatments, outlines some promising options on the horizon and describes how to get involved in research.
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Answers for Autism
We asked you what you wanted to know about autism, and you responded with thought-provoking and important questions.
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Autism Treatments: What We Know and Don’t Know
The speaker for our ninth webinar is Jeremy Veenstra-VanderWeele, M.D., a child psychiatrist and neuroscientist who works at both Columbia University and the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, in White Plains, New York. In this webinar, Dr. Veenstra-VanderWeele discusses what kinds of medicines and treatments for autism are out there and how researchers identify what works. He also offers practical advice about different medications and their side effects to parents of children with autism and adults with autism. This webinar is 60 minutes long.
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Managing Frustration and Anxiety and Teaching Social Skills
The speaker for our fourth webinar is Jed Baker, Ph.D., director of the Social Skills Training Project, a private organization serving individuals with autism and social communication problems. In this webinar, Baker discusses how to manage tantrums and frustration in children and teens with autism. He also offer practical tips for dealing with anxiety and teaching social skills. This webinar is 60 minutes long.
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Practical Strategies to Address Challenging Behavior
Children with autism can present with challenging behavior. Problem behavior can significantly interfere with and limit educational and social opportunities, negatively impact family functioning, and if not addressed can limit overall community integration experiences. This talk will provide an overview of the potential reasons why problem behavior exists and practical strategies that parents and teachers can implement to prevent the development of problem behavior. This webinar is 90 minutes long.
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