Works with research partners from all over the world to engage families and adults with autism in research studies. All of the studies are evaluated for scientific merit, and a SPARK scientific committee approves them. SPARK matches participants with research studies based on characteristics such as age, diagnosis, medical history, location and more. Some of these studies are online, and some are in person.

SPARK does not share any information with researchers until participants give their permission. Participants in SPARK are always in control.

Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research for Knowledge (SPARK)

Individuals with autism (including adults), biological siblings, and parents. Must live in the US; read/understand English and/or Spanish; have a “professional” diagnosis, but no ICD-10 code required.

Autism research which provides free DNA testing to participants. The study aims to understand autism, including the DNA, environment and lifestyle of individuals and their family. Participation is online and takes 30 minutes to complete. Incentives provided.

The University of Utah is an IRB-approved clinical site, May 2019.

SPARK stands for Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research. More than 30 of the nation’s leading medical schools and autism research centers have joined SPARK to help recruit individuals and families affected by autism.