SPARK

What is SPARK?

  • SPARK is a free online study with a simple mission:
    to speed up research and advance the understanding
    of autism
  • SPARK aims to be the largest study of its kind with the goal of building a community of 50,000 individuals with autism and their families across the nation
  • The entire autism community is encouraged to participate, including adults and children diagnosed with autism, as well as their biological parentsĀ and siblings
  • By dramatically increasing the number of research participants, SPARK aims to help facilitate research that has not yet been possible

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. SPARK will ask you to share basic information about your medical and family history, and if you choose, a DNA sample using a saliva collection kit. To learn more, download the brochure below or visitĀ www.SPARKforAutism.org/UMinnesota.

SPARK Minnesota Parent Brochure
SPARK Minnesota Parent Brochure