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

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

Traveling the Distance to Help an Autistic Child

Traveling the Distance to Help an Autistic Child

How far will parents go to help their autistic child? For one SPARK family, the distance could be measured in continents.

The Little Known World of Autistic Women

The Little Known World of Autistic Women

A researcher wanted to peek inside the little known world of autistic women, who are rarely studied. Some of what she found alarmed her.

Your Questions About Autism, Answered

Your Questions About Autism, Answered

You or your child has just been diagnosed with autism. You have questions. SPARK has answers.

WEBINARS

Karen Pierce, Ph.D.

Webinar: The Numbers Behind Autism-Unpacking Prevalence, Trends, and Understanding of Heterogeneity

October 23, 2025

Silvia Pereira-Smith, M.D.

Webinar: Safety in Mind-Elopement Behavior in Autistic Children

September 24, 2025