A split-image portrait showing Kristine Barnett with her son Jacob in earlier years alongside a recent photo, symbolizing her journey from celebrated autism advocate to controversy (see the generated image above).
Early Life and Rise as Autism Advocate
Kristine Barnett gained national attention as the mother of Jacob “Jake” Barnett, an autistic child prodigy diagnosed at age two. Doctors predicted Jake might never read or tie his shoes, but Kristine rejected traditional therapies, instead nurturing his interests in math and science. By age eight, Jake aced college astronomy courses at Indiana University, later publishing in physics journals with an IQ of 170.
Kristine’s 2012 memoir The Spark: A Mother’s Story of Nurturing, Genius, and Autism became a bestseller, positioning her as an inspiring advocate. She founded Jacob’s Place, a center for autistic children, emphasizing passion-driven learning over rigid interventions.
Adoption of Natalia Grace
In 2010, Kristine and husband Michael adopted Natalia Grace from Ukraine, believing her to be a six-year-old orphan with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita, a form of dwarfism. Initially celebrated online, tensions arose as the Barnetts claimed Natalia showed adult traits like pubic hair, menstruation, and sophisticated speech.
They accused her of violent behavior, including poisoning Kristine’s coffee and pushing her toward an electric fence. DNA tests were inconclusive on age, but the Barnetts petitioned an Indiana court in 2012 to legally change Natalia’s birth year from 2003 to 1989, making her 22.
Abandonment and Legal Charges
In 2013, the Barnetts moved Natalia to a Lafayette, Indiana apartment, providing food assistance, then relocated to Canada with their three biological sons. Natalia was left alone until neighbors intervened.
In 2019, both faced neglect charges. Michael was acquitted in 2022 after a jury trial where Natalia testified about abuse allegations, including pepper spraying and beatings. Kristine’s charges were dismissed in 2023 due to insufficient evidence and expired statutes.
Divorce and Family Fallout
Michael filed for divorce in 2014, finalized in 2018. He later accused Kristine of manipulating him and abusing Natalia, claiming she controlled family decisions. Natalia alleged physical abuse by Kristine, including belt whippings.
Jacob distanced himself, focusing on astrophysics studies at Indiana University. He credits his mother’s early support but has remained private amid the scandal.
Public Defense and Media Scrutiny
Kristine denied abuse claims in 2024 Facebook posts, calling them “false” and asserting innocence since no conviction occurred. She mocked supporters of Natalia as “pathetic bullies” and announced a memoir Witch Hunt: The Kristine Barnett Story.
The saga inspired docuseries like Investigation Discovery’s The Curious Case of Natalia Grace (2023-2024) and Hulu’s Good American Family (2025), with Ellen Pompeo portraying Kristine. Kristine declined participation, maintaining Natalia was an adult sociopath.
Current Status in 2025
Kristine resides in Florida, describing herself on Facebook as an “Author, Loving Mother, Advocate for Children With Disabilities, Writer, & Activist.” She avoids media but defends her story online amid renewed interest from the Hulu series.
Natalia lives independently in Indiana with adoptive parents Cynthia and Antwon Mans, pursuing her GED and driver’s license. Michael resides in Indianapolis, estranged from the family.
Legacy and Controversy
Kristine’s story shifted from prodigy parent to accused neglector, highlighting adoption ethics, autism advocacy, and dwarfism misconceptions. Supporters view her as a victim of media frenzy; critics see abandonment. No further legal actions as of 2025.
Her methods with Jacob influenced neurodiversity discussions, though the Natalia case overshadows this. Kristine continues writing, insisting her narrative prevails.