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.

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.

Who can join?

Are you the parent of a child with ASD? Join us! Are you a person with an ASD diagnosis? We need you. There is no cost to you and we keep your data private.

How do you participate?

1. Create an account online.

2. Invite family members.

3. Give a saliva sample for DNA analysis.

4. Discover and participate in new autism research opportunities.

Questions?

Email: SPARKforAutism@ucsd.edu
Office Phone: 858-534-6906
Direct Phone: 858-761-4734

Excellence in clinical care and optimization of outcomes require innovative, rigorous scientific methods. CART scientists pursue groundbreaking investigations to uncover the underlying causes of ASD, identify markers of risk and prognosis, and advance the science of ASD treatments, including the areas outlined below. They then disseminate these findings to the community in order to promote best practices in clinical care and treatment and to help caregivers understand scientific discoveries.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the fastest growing neurodevelopmental disorder in the United States, affecting approximately one in 36 children (CDC). The increase in awareness and diagnosis of ASD, along with the limitations of current therapies, has necessitated more research to understand the underlying causes of ASD, the establishment of best practices in clinical care, the development of better treatments to improve lifelong outcomes. Successful research depends on the participation of individuals with autism and their families, as well as individuals who don't have autism (typical development). 

Join a study here: https://www.semel.ucla.edu/autism/open-research-studies

The Koegel Autism Center's primary research goal is to develop and test new autism interventions designed to improve the lives of individuals, parents, and families. Most of our research projects offer support strategies at no cost to participating families. All research participation is voluntary. The center and its researchers has received past funding from state agencies, the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Defense, the Department of Education, Autism Speaks, Organization for Autism Research, the Autism Science Foundation, as well as private donors.

The center provides diagnostic assessments, support services, parent support, and clinical training opportunities through its funded research projects and clinics.

Intervention support models developed at the center include the Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) and the Social Tools And Rules for Teens (START) programs.

They provide research and clinical training to doctoral students in clinical psychology and special education, many of whom have continued on to become highly influential members of the autism research and clinical support communities.

For more information contact (anielabordofsky@ucsb.edu) or (805) 893-2049.  Here's a link: https://education.ucsb.edu/clinics-centers/koegel-autism-center/clinical-research

UCSD Autism Research Programs are contributing to the overall understanding of autism spectrum disorder.

• Early Detection

• Eye Gaze Tracking

• Sleep MRI

• Structural Brain Imaging Research (MRI)

• Functional Brain Imaging Research (fMRI)

• Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI)

• Genetics Research

• Stem Cells Studies using cells derived from skin

• Brain Tissue

Your child may be eligible to participate in one of their research projects. Your family's involvement will help advance the effort to understand, diagnose, and treat autism. Participating families will gain valuable insight into their child's cognitive, verbal, and social development. Additionally, families receive a comprehensive report based on the standard measures used so that their Center can compare your child to his/her peers of the same age. The discoveries made from their research depends upon the participation of families like yours!

If you are interested in scheduling an evaluation for your 12-36 month old toddler, call: (858) 534-6912