spark logo
spark logo

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

Autism and the College Experience
Autism and the College Experience

Many students struggle to adjust to the challenges of college, from difficult classes to dorm living. But for people on the autism spectrum, the transition can be more abrupt and dramatic.

Read more
The Whys of Autism: Parents See Mostly Benefits to Learning Their Child’s Autism is Genetic
The Whys of Autism: Parents See Mostly Benefits to Learning Their Child’s Autism is Genetic

What's it like to learn that your child's autism is the result of a tiny variation in a gene? Do you feel relief, worry, hope, sadness?

Read more
The Struggle to Identify Autism in Girls: Sarah’s Story
The Struggle to Identify Autism in Girls: Sarah’s Story

Sarah had many classic signs of autism, but no one suspected it in the quiet girl who never made a fuss. Why did she have to wait until adulthood to get a diagnosis?

Read more
view all

WEBINARS

view all
Gregory L. Wallace, Ph.D.

Gregory L. Wallace, Ph.D.

Webinar: Aging in Autism-Risk and Resilience

July 24, 2024

LEARN MORE
Dena Kelly, LPC, BCBA

Dena Kelly, LPC, BCBA

Webinar: Feeding Difficulties-When is it More Than Picky Eating?

June 26, 2024

LEARN MORE

CONTACT US