SPARK: Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research for Knowledge Study

19 May SPARK: Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research for Knowledge Study

SPARK is a free, online study with a simple mission: to speed up research and advance the understanding of autism. SPARK study is now the largest autism research study in the world, with over 275,000 study participants. An important part of SPARK is the collection of DNA so it can be analyzed to expand our understanding of the role of specific genes in the development of autism. By joining SPARK, you’re helping accelerate research to find causes and targeted treatments for autism.

To participate, your family would:
1. Register at https://sparkforautism.org/uw. Registration takes 20 to 30 minutes.
2. If your family agrees to provide saliva samples, saliva kit(s) will be shipped directly to your home with a pre-paid mailer to return these kits for DNA analysis.
3. Our DNA analyses are looking for genetic differences related to autism. Your family could receive results from our analyses, if you decide to receive this information and a genetic cause for autism is identified in your family’s samples.

Participants will receive a gift card code, valued at up to $50, once they’ve completed registration and returned samples that pass quality checks at the lab.

For more information or questions about this study, please contact: SCACstudies@seattlechildrens.org or call 206-987-5157.

Participant Eligibility

Anyone with a professional diagnosis of autism who lives in the U.S. is invited to participate in SPARK. SPARK can be done either (1) independently at home (2) with a study coordinator during a visit to the Seattle Children’s Autism Center or (3) with a study coordinator visiting your home to assist with sample collection

Contact

Bianca Rodriguez
(206) 987-5157