spark logo
spark logo

Understanding Autism

Join a growing community of families, autistic adults, and researchers working to understand autism and improve lives.

LEARN MORE JOIN NOW

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

Does a Baby’s Gaze Hold a Clue to Autism?
Does a Baby’s Gaze Hold a Clue to Autism?

Can you tell if babies will develop autism by analyzing what they look at? After years of research, neuroscientist Karen Pierce has an answer to that question.

Read more
The Struggle to Identify Autism in Girls: Sarah’s Story
The Struggle to Identify Autism in Girls: Sarah’s Story

Sarah had many classic signs of autism, but no one suspected it in the quiet girl who never made a fuss. Why did she have to wait until adulthood to get a diagnosis?

Read more
Bobby Durbin Finds Community, Challenges Expectations
Bobby Durbin Finds Community, Challenges Expectations

Bobby's family included him in everything since childhood, helping others to understand his autism. Now 35, he's a big part of his community.

Read more
view all

WEBINARS

view all
Upcoming
Karen Pierce, Ph.D.

Karen Pierce, Ph.D.

Webinar: Eyes Wide Open-Harnessing Eye Tracking for Advancements in Autism Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Treatment Progress

May 30, 2024

LEARN MORE
Wendy Chung, M.D., Ph.D.

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

Webinar: SPARK-Past, Present, and Future

April 9, 2024

LEARN MORE

CONTACT US