Families Needed to Participate in Nation’s Largest Autism Research Study

Researchers at the University of Minnesota are looking for families affected by autism to join the nation’s largest autism genetics study. The SPARK (Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research Knowledge) study hopes to enroll 50,000 individuals with autism and their families who will provide information and a DNA sample to advance our understanding of autism. The U of M is just one of over 20 clinical sites across the country working to enroll families in the study. 

Enrollment for SPARK is simple and can be done entirely from home at no cost to families. Participants can enroll online at www.sparkforautism.org/uminnesota and will be shipped a saliva collection tube that will be used to collect a DNA sample. If at any time families would like assistance with participation in SPARK, the SPARK Minnesota staff are available via phone, email, and appointments at the family home or University of Minnesota clinic. Once the DNA sample is sent in, the individual with autism will receive up to $50 in gift cards for participating. Because of the convenience of participating from home, the study hopes to be able to enroll families that may not otherwise have a chance to participate in research due to time and travel constraints.

Each DNA sample will be analyzed to learn more about genetic associations to autism, and families that participate can choose to hear about any genetic links that are found in their family. Participants will also be connected to future research projects and online resources. 

The prevalence of autism has been increasing in recent years, and today about 1 in 59 children have a diagnosis.  Autism is known to have a strong genetic component, with about 90 genes having been identified so far. The most complete genetic picture can be captured from collecting genetic samples from the individual with autism and both biological parents; however, both parents do not need to be available to participate in SPARK. Individuals with ASD of any age with or without biological family members are invited to participate. SPARK has already enrolled over 14,000 families that include the person with autism and both biological parents. 

The U of M is looking for more families to participate by the end of January. If you or someone you know is interested in joining SPARK, please visit www.sparkforautism.org/uminnesota. You can contact the UMN SPARK team with any questions at spark-mn@umn.edu or 612-624-0116.