What Is SPARK?
SPARK is the largest study of autism ever and will power autism research for years to come. We believe that to find answers for you, we need to understand what makes you unique. And what connects you with others. We do this through studying genetic, behavioral and medical information.
Learn More About Spark
Who Can Join?
Are you an adult with autism or the parent of a child with autism? Join us! Are you a person with an autism diagnosis? We need you. There is no cost to you and we keep your data private. To sign up for this study, go to sparkforautism.org/rush. If you have any questions, please email spark@rush.edu.
How Do You Participate?
- Create an account at sparkforautism.org/rush.
- Invite family members.
- Give a saliva sample for DNA analysis.
- Discover and participate in new autism research opportunities.
How Are SPARK and Rush Connected?
Rush is partnered with SPARK through a grant from the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative. We help to recruit and enroll participants in SPARK. If you are affiliated with us during registration, you are able to receive one-on-one support with a SPARK team member. A SPARK team member can help you with any issues that may arise during registration; help with saliva collection; as well as supporting you and your family in setting up an appointment with a SPARK geneticist or one of our genetic counselors if you receive a genetic report through the study.
How Does SPARK Connect You With Other Autism Research Studies?
When you join SPARK, you agree to be contacted about other autism research studies that are relevant to you and your family. This is called SPARK Research Match. In addition to the SPARK research that you participate in by submitting your saliva sample and completing tasks on your SPARK dashboard, SPARK provides our research participants with the opportunity to participate in studies led by researchers throughout the U.S. and elsewhere. A wide variety of research projects use SPARK Research Match to find potential participants for their studies.
SPARK’s Research Match speeds up autism research by ensuring that researchers can find the participants needed to successfully complete their studies, and participants get the chance to be represented in research and hear about studies that are appropriate for them.
Help Spread the Word About SPARK
Does your organization work with families that may be interested in joining SPARK?
If so, we'd be happy to provide you with SPARK recruitment materials such as posters, brochures and sign-up forms. Just contact Holly Lechniak at holly_n_lechniak@rush.edu or (312) 563-2765.