The prevalence of autism has increased significantly over the past two decades. While this increase may be largely attributed to broader diagnostic criteria and an increase in overall awareness of autism, it nonetheless means there has never been a greater need to gain a better understanding of this condition that affects so many.

While considerable advances have occurred in autism research, there is still much we don’t know. For example, recent research has shown that likely hundreds of genes play a role in autism, but not a lot is known about which environmental factors contribute to the development of the condition. While many different types of treatments are available (e.g., behavioral therapy and medications for some behaviors), there are no approved medications to treat core symptoms of autism.

One of SPARK’s key goals is to enable a new level of research that was not possible previously, by dramatically increasing the number of people available to participate in autism research.

SPARK will enable advances in two major ways. Having genetic samples from 50,000 families for scientists to analyze will enable far deeper insight into the genetic changes that contribute to autism. SPARK families will be available to receive invitations from researchers to participate in other studies, enabling research of all types to get off the ground more quickly.