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Phenotypic data from 328,973 participants enrolled in SPARK, including 132,138 individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), are now available to approved researchers. Genomic data are also available for 116,693 SPARK participants: 106,744 (44,304 ASD) with whole-exome sequencing and 12,519 (3,575 ASD) with whole-genome sequencing. A total of 2,570 individuals have both.
The Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) is pleased to announce that SPARK (Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research for Knowledge)1 has released new phenotypic data for use in research studies. Approved investigators can request the data via SFARI Base.
Phenotypic data from 328,973 individuals enrolled in SPARK are now available, including data from 132,138 individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Summary of the cohort:
(* 166 age unknown)
Data include the following standardized behavioral measures:
Other available data:
An overview of demographics and core characteristics of the SPARK sample can be found here.
The data are available for use by all approved researchers, regardless of SFARI funding. Research projects are not restricted to autism or other neurodevelopmental conditions. There is a six-month embargo on the genomic data, but there is no embargo on phenotypic data.
Researchers can log in to SFARI Base and apply to use the data. The application will be reviewed by SFARI staff, and once approved, researchers will be provided with information on how to download the data.
Researchers who have previously applied and been approved to access SPARK phenotypic data (i.e., from an earlier SPARK data release) will automatically have access to this latest data release. Simply log in to SFARI Base to view and download the latest data set.
SPARK phenotypic and genomic data are being used in more than 100 research studies. These studies are investigating a variety of different topics relevant to autism, including genetic risk factors, sex differences, and new assessments. Studies have contributed normative developmental data in autism2, and awareness of the mental health needs of autistic adults3. A large number of studies used data from the SPARK cohort for new insights into the genetics of autism4-6, including the discovery of new de novo variants, and inherited variants of moderate effect7.
In addition to accessing phenotypic and genomic data, researchers can submit an application via SFARI Base to recruit SPARK participants into investigator-initiated research studies through the SPARK Research Match program.
Applications are reviewed by a standing committee on a quarterly basis (application deadlines are March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31). Researchers will receive further information about how to contact SPARK families once their application is approved.
The SPARK Recruitment Process Document provides answers to many frequently asked questions about the research matching program.
For more information, please contact [email protected].
