Why Does Autism Research Need You?

SPARK stands for Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research for Knowledge and is funded by the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI). It is a landmark autism research project being the largest genetic study of autism ever. Yale is one of dozens of participating autism research centers across the United States. SPARK at Yale aims to help scientists better understand what contributes to autism.

As part of this effort, we study DNA from people with autism and from their family members who may or may not have autism. We also study information about their health and things that can impact health like behavior and lifestyle. To succeed, SPARK needs the help of many thousands of people with autism and their families. What we learn will be shared with many qualified autism researchers to help speed up the progress of autism research. Participation in SPARK at Yale can be completely at home and online or you can opt for various in-person supports such as a visit to our center, home visits, drive-bys, phone support, teleconference (Zoom) appointments, and more. As a small token of appreciation, each family can receive an amazon gift card valued up to $50. Best of all, participants become part of a national community and are updated on new opportunities and discoveries in autism research.