The Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities (MCDD) Autism Research and Engagement Core team members are consultants to SPARK (Simons Powering Autism Research), a long-term study of autism spectrum disorder. Those members include Cheryl Cohen, MS, director of online and community programs; J. Kiely Law, MD, MPH, research director; Alison R. Marvin, PhD, research manager; Marina Sarris, MA, web content administrator; and Jaimie Toroney, MHS, research manager.
Sarris recently contributed an article to SPARK’s website, “A Father’s Concern for the Future for an Autistic Son,” posted on July 15. In it, she discusses Benjamin Murray’s journey as a father of a son with autism, emphasizing the challenges and frustrations he faced in finding support and answers in the early years following his son’s diagnosis. His experience highlights the importance of community involvement, research and advocacy in navigating the complexities of autism and ensuring better outcomes for his son.