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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.

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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
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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

Decoding the Medical Complexities of an Autistic Son
Decoding the Medical Complexities of an Autistic Son

A mother pursued answers for years about her autistic son's complex medical issues. Learn what she discovers.

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What’s the Link Between Autism and GI Problems?
What’s the Link Between Autism and GI Problems?

Many autistic people have gastrointestinal problems. Researchers look at what might be happening.

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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.

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WEBINARS

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Wendy Chung, M.D., Ph.D.

Wendy Chung, M.D., Ph.D.

Webinar: Celebrating Ten Years of SPARK-Ten Areas Where SPARK Increased Our Understanding of Autism

April 2, 2026

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Natalie Sauerwald, Ph.D.

Natalie Sauerwald, Ph.D.

Webinar: How Many Autisms are There? Grouping Traits to Reveal Different Genetic Programs

March 25, 2026

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CONTACT US