SPARK Data Reveals a Common Genetic Change Linked to Autism
A new study using data from 6,000 families in SPARK suggests that a gene called DDHD2 may play a role in autism.
Read MoreRead more about: SPARK study
Get the latest autism updates from SPARK, including information about genes and ASD research, webinars, and personal stories from our community.
Our ‘genes’ page provides short, easy-to-understand descriptions of genes linked to autism. Under ‘research’, you’ll find the latest updates from SPARK and other autism studies. In our ‘stories’ section, families, scientists and others share their journeys. In our monthly webinars, speakers from the autism community provide useful information for families and people with autism. All are welcome–invitation links are issued in our monthly newsletter. If you have suggestions for webinar topics, please email us at webinars@sparkforautism.org.
SPARK Responds to COVID-19
These are stressful times, and things are changing daily in the face of COVID-19. Learn what you, as a SPARK participant, can do.
Read More
What Is Your SPARK Dashboard?
When you join SPARK, you get a personal dashboard with important information and participation opportunities.
Read More
SPARK and COVID-19: Participant Q&A
Learn about SPARK participation during this difficult time. Also provided are suggestions for COVID-19-related resources for the autism community.
Read More
Collecting Saliva is Hard – Here Are Some Ways to Make it Easier
If you are collecting saliva for SPARK’s research, here are some tips that may help.
Read More
How Far Will Dads Go for their Kids with Autism?
Find out just how far dads will go to help their children with autism.
Read More
Send Us your Kit
With your help, we can discover something new! Please send us your spit. (If you’ve already sent in your saliva kit, thanks! You may enjoy this video anyway.)
Read More
Taking the Reins: A Family’s Decision Pays Off
Receiving a genetic diagnosis for their daughter was in many ways a huge relief for the Zeyer family.
Read More
The Future of SPARK
In this recorded webinar, Dr. Wendy Chung shares information about SPARK’s long-term goals and activities.
Read More
At 30 Years Old, a Genetic Diagnosis
Decades after their son was diagnosed with autism, the Jarboe family learned that he has a gene change in one of his chromosomes, structures inside cells that contain our DNA.
Read More