Autism Cohorts: SPARK

Overview

A major research initiative of the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI), SPARK works to advance the basic science of autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders. Launched in 2016, it has since established one of the largest research cohorts of people with autism and their families.

SPARK collects genomic, phenotypic and other research data to support studies of the genetic and non-genetic factors that contribute to autism and the diversity of traits and experiences across the autism spectrum. These data are made available to approved researchers through SFARI Base, SFARI’s data and biospecimen portal, where researchers can explore available SPARK datasets and request access for approved research projects.

SPARK works with university-affiliated research clinics and autism community organizations across the United States to engage participants in research. The resulting resource supports research across genetics, development, behavior, health and other areas relevant to autism.

Researchers can analyze existing SPARK data, examine relationships between genomic and phenotypic information, and recruit eligible SPARK participants for new studies through Research Match. SPARK also includes data from biological parents and siblings, supporting both individual- and family-based analyses.

Available Data

SPARK includes an expanding collection of phenotypic and genomic data from individuals with autism and their families, including:

• Phenotypic data: demographic information and measures related to developmental, medical and family history; autism traits and symptom presentation; adaptive functioning; and behavioral and psychiatric co-occurring conditions. Additional data, including cognitive and diagnostic assessments, are available for subsets of participants.
• Genomic data: exome and genome sequencing and genotyping data, with data products that support the study of both rare and common genetic variation associated with autism.

Phenotypic and genomic data can be linked at the participant level, enabling researchers to investigate relationships between genetic variation and autism-related traits and outcomes.

Research Match for SPARK

Research Match enables approved researchers to recruit eligible participants from SPARK and other SFARI autism research cohorts for new studies.

Through Research Match, researchers can conduct studies involving new data collection, including surveys, assessments and other forms of participant engagement. Data generated through some Research Match studies are subsequently made available to the broader research community through SFARI Base.

Researchers interested in recruiting SPARK participants can review the SPARK Recruitment Process Document for more information.