Thousands of People With Autism Join SPARK - New Online Genetic Study

NEW YORK, April 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Autism has a strong genetic component. To date, approximately 50 genes have been identified that almost certainly play a role in autism, and researchers estimate that at least an additional 300 are involved. But to identify all the genes at play, many more genetic samples are needed from those with autism and their immediate families. 

That's where SPARK comes in. Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research for Knowledge (SPARK) is an online scientific study and community of individuals with autism and their families. Launched just a year ago, SPARK has already enrolled over 49,500 people from across the country, 19,500 of whom have autism. With 25 clinical site partners around the nation, the study aims to ultimately enroll 50,000 people with autism, plus their families.

SPARK is proud to announce it has expanded the research collaborative this year to include four new sites: the Geisinger Clinic of Pennsylvania, Maine Medical Center, Medical University of South Carolina, and the University of Iowa.

SPARK's goals are twofold: first, to identify the hundreds of autism genes at play and to link them to the biological mechanisms that they govern as well as to any environmental factors to which participants with autism may have been exposed. Researchers can better understand the condition's causes by linking specific identified genes to the diverse array of symptoms, skills and challenges of those affected. Second, it seeks to connect these individuals and families to research opportunities that advance the understanding of autism.

Why genes? And why 50,000?

"It is estimated that it will take 50,000 genetic profiles of people with autism to identify a large percentage of the genetic factors contributing to autism," says SPARK principal investigator Dr. Wendy Chung. "Statistically, if we succeed in working with 50,000 participants on the autism spectrum, we will be able to identify at least 250 genes that contribute to autism that can be used to better understand how the brain is different in individuals with autism and potentially identify targets to develop medications that can be used to support individuals with autism."

In a genetic study of this scope, it is important to collect not only DNA from the person with autism but also that of both of his/her biological parents (a 'trio'). The study currently has almost 20,000 people with autism enrolled but only 12,500 of them are members of trios. Trios enable scientists to identify whether an autism gene was passed down from a parent or 'sprung up' in a different way.

"A major goal of SPARK is to accelerate clinical research in autism by providing easily accessible data and infrastructure to recruit research participants for the autism research community," says Pamela Feliciano, scientific director of SPARK and senior scientist at SFARI, the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative. "We are excited to enable qualified researchers to access SPARK genomic, medical and behavioral data and recruit for their studies through SPARK in a few months."

Through the project's website and on social media, participating individuals and families have begun to express enthusiasm for all that SPARK makes possible:

"As parents we want the best for our children, and being able to understand more about our sons' condition will give us the knowledge to better assist them in becoming the best they can be. We thank SPARK for allowing us to participate in this national research study, and we hope that it will provide important information and create more awareness and acceptance of autism. We encourage families to participate and help spark a better future for all individuals affected by autism." —SPARK participant

More About SPARK

SPARK (Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research for Knowledge) is a national autism research initiative that will connect individuals with a professional diagnosis of autism and their biological family members to research opportunities to advance our understanding of autism. SPARK's goal in doing this is not only to better understand autism but to accelerate the development of new treatments and supports.

SPARK was designed to be easily accessible to the entire autism community, and it was designed in consultation with adults with autism, parents, researchers, clinicians, service providers and advocates.

Registering for this first-of-its-kind initiative can be done entirely online in the convenience of one's home and at no cost. DNA will be collected via saliva kits shipped directly to participants. SPARK will provide access to online resources and the latest research in autism, which may provide participants and families with valuable information to help address daily challenges.

For researchers, SPARK provides a large, well-characterized cohort of genetic, medical and behavioral data, and will result in cost savings for researchers by reducing startup costs for individual studies.

SPARK has partnered with 25 clinical sites across the country as well as autism organizations, service providers and key influencers to help spread the word about SPARK and to recruit participants. Through these strategic partnerships, SFARI hopes to reach and engage a diverse and large number of individuals and families affected by autism.

SPARK is entirely funded by SFARI, a scientific initiative within the Simons Foundation's suite of programs.

About Autism

Autism is an umbrella term used to describe a group of complex developmental disorders — autism spectrum disorders — caused by genes or combinations of genes, perhaps in concert with environmental influences. These disorders are characterized by deficits in social communication (both verbal and nonverbal) and the presence of repetitive behaviors or restricted interests. An estimated one in 68 children in the U.S. is on the autism spectrum. The wide range of autism manifestations makes it challenging to study potential causes or treatments, and thus a large cohort that can be segmented — genetically and by the condition's manifestation — can substantially advance such efforts.

About the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI)

SFARI seeks to improve the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders by funding innovative research of the highest quality and relevance. SFARI currently funds more than 250 investigators in the U.S. and abroad. In addition, SFARI aims to advance the autism research field as a whole by developing resources for scientists. Please visit www.SFARI.org for more information on SFARI programs.

Anyone interested in learning more about SPARK or in participating may visit  www.SPARKforAutism.org and @SPARKforAutism on Facebook and Twitter.

Contact: Stacey Greenebaum and Beverly Robertson. [email protected]

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