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Understanding Autism

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

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WHY JOIN SPARK

  • You’ll be part of the largest autism research community
  • It’s simple and free
  • We are committed to autism research for decades to come
  • Together we can advance the understanding of autism
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What SPARK Has Accomplished

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

What Do We Really Know about Animal Interventions for Autism?
What Do We Really Know about Animal Interventions for Autism?

Adam Lloyd experienced many of the usual autism therapies as a child, but in a most unusual place ─ sitting on a horse.

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Overcoming Barriers to Help a Son with Autism
Overcoming Barriers to Help a Son with Autism

When her son was diagnosed with autism, one mother decided to do everything she could to help him, including returning to school to study applied behavior analysis.

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Black, Mother, Wife, and Autistic: The Intersectionality of Motherhood
Black, Mother, Wife, and Autistic: The Intersectionality of Motherhood

Since her diagnosis, Vonda better understands how she interacts with the world, interacts with her husband and mother, and how she mothers her three sons.

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WEBINARS

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Leanne Nieforth

Leanne Nieforth

Webinar: Animal-Assisted Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorder

January 25, 2023

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Katherine Gotham, Ph.D.

Katherine Gotham, Ph.D.

Webinar: Emotional Health in Autistic Adults and Building Better Supports

November 15, 2022

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CONTACT US