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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

Ten Takeaways From 10 Years of Studying Autism
Ten Takeaways From 10 Years of Studying Autism

The SPARK research study launched with the goal of becoming large enough to significantly increase what we know about autism. So how's it going after 10 years?

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How Many Kinds of Autism Exist?
How Many Kinds of Autism Exist?

How many different types of autism are there? A study involving SPARK participants proposes an answer.

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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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WEBINARS

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Upcoming
Lori McIlwain

Lori McIlwain

Webinar: Autism and Water Safety-Understanding Water Attraction and How to Reduce Risk

June 16, 2026

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Hui Zhang, Ph.D.

Hui Zhang, Ph.D.

Webinar: What Do Families Really Need? Insights from Community Work with Autism Families

May 20, 2026

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CONTACT US