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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
  • 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

How Did Autism Become Autism?
How Did Autism Become Autism?

How did autism become autism? Understanding its history may help untangle questions about what autism is and why many people are now diagnosed with it.

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Making the World a Kinder Place for Children With Severe Autism
Making the World a Kinder Place for Children With Severe Autism

Twins Kira and Aliya share many things: a bright smile, a love of art, and a strong resemblance to each other. The 10-year-olds also share the same condition: severe autism.

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Traveling the Distance to Help an Autistic Child
Traveling the Distance to Help an Autistic Child

How far will parents go to help their autistic child? For one SPARK family, the distance could be measured in continents.

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WEBINARS

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Heather E. Volk, Ph.D., M.P.H.

Heather E. Volk, Ph.D., M.P.H.

Webinar: Gene-Environment Interaction in Autism-Cells, Populations, and Stakeholders

November 18, 2025

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Karen Pierce, Ph.D.

Karen Pierce, Ph.D.

Webinar: The Numbers Behind Autism-Unpacking Prevalence, Trends, and Understanding of Heterogeneity

October 23, 2025

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