spark logo
spark logo
10 Years of SPARK
10 Years of SPARK

Understanding Autism

Join a growing community of families, autistic adults, and researchers working to understand autism and improve lives.

LEARN MORE JOIN NOW

WHY JOIN SPARK

  • You’ll be part of the largest autism research community
  • It’s simple and free
  • SPARK is a long-term study that will provide answers to research questions for years to come
  • Together we can advance the understanding of autism
JOIN NOW

Who Can Join

  • SPARK is for all individuals living in the U.S. with a professional diagnosis of autism and their family members
  • All ages are welcome

How to Join

  • Create an account online
  • Agree to share data and genetic information
  • Registration takes about 20 minutes

What Participation Means

  • Participation is online and free
  • Your information will be kept private and secure
  • Answer questions about your autism experience
  • Return your saliva kit if you agree to genetic research
  • Learn about additional research opportunities
New to SPARK? Learn more.
Already a participant? Visit your personal SPARK Dashboard.

MEET OUR PARTICIPANTS

You Have Questions – The SPARK Help Desk Has Answers
You Have Questions – The SPARK Help Desk Has Answers

What does SPARK study? What's happening with the saliva sample I sent for DNA analysis? These are among the thousands of questions that the SPARK help desk answers. Learn how this team can help you, too.

Read more
An Answer About Autism Leads to a New Research Journey
An Answer About Autism Leads to a New Research Journey

The Henrys got genetic news about their son from the SPARK autism study. But that didn't end their research journey.

Read more
What Is Your SPARK Dashboard?
What Is Your SPARK Dashboard?

When you join SPARK, you will get access to a personalized web page where SPARK displays important information about the study including research opportunities and personal reports. You can access your SPARK Dashboard by logging in on the SPARK website.

Read more
view all

WEBINARS

view all
Natasha Nelson

Natasha Nelson

Webinar: Awareness to Action-Combating Autism Disparities in Black Communities

February 25, 2026

LEARN MORE
Rebecca C. Shaffer, Psy.D., HSPP

Rebecca C. Shaffer, Psy.D., HSPP

Webinar: Strategies for Caregivers to Support Emotion Regulation

January 29, 2026

LEARN MORE

CONTACT US