Wow. 10 years of SPARK, and it’s all thanks to you! 🎈✨ Since 2016, our mission has been to advance autism research, but we couldn’t do it alone. Check out the 10 things fueling our gratitude as we celebrate a decade of advancement since our launch on 4/21/2016! Here’s to many more! 🎉

Over the past 10 years, SPARK has grown into a beautifully diverse community of autistic people and their families — an amazing accomplishment made possible by YOU. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for every meaningful contribution from each and every one of our participants. Onward! 🔍✨

Dr. Wendy Chung, principal investigator of SPARK, reflects on the achievements of the SPARK study over the last 10 years and how we want to progress in the future. By sharing your experiences over time, you help researchers discover what truly matters...

bit.ly/4thyUFC 🫶 We know the steps in every autistic journey are different, & every step matters to science. SPARK researchers are helping understand how autistic lives evolve. From sleeping, to making friends, to living independently, we continue to study all aspects of the autistic experience.

What does SPARK study? What’s happening with the saliva sample I sent for DNA analysis? These are among the thousands of questions that the SPARK help desk answers. Learn how this team can help you. Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/4rWSW7m ⬅️❓❔

Don't forget to join us live, today, at 12:00 pm EST 3/25! We'll see you there. 👇

April is quickly approaching, and that means we're getting closer to #AutismAcceptanceMonth! Our annual webinar with SPARK's fearless leader: ✨ Thursday, April 2nd ✨ 3:00pm-4:00pm EST ✨ Dr. Wendy Chung Register to join via Zoom: bit.ly/4sq05hy (1/2)

With March underway, we're excited to announce this month's webinar! 🗣✨ What: How Many "Autisms" Are There? Grouping Traits to Reveal Different Genetic Programs with Natalie Sauerwald, Ph.D. When: Wed, March 25th — 12:00pm-1:00pm EST Zoom: bit.ly/4baz8H8 FB Live: www.facebook.com/share/18XY7Y...

Join us live today! Or find the recording of today's webinar on each of our social media pages, our YouTube channel, and our website. See you all soon! ❤️

The Henrys got genetic news about their son from the SPARK autism study. But that didn’t end their research journey. Read their full story here: https://bit.ly/4rKfUPJ

Join us for some essential viewing — this month's SPARK webinar! ✨ What: Awareness to Action - Combating Autism Disparities in Black Communities Who: Natasha Nelson of Supernova Parenting When: Wednesday, February 25th at 12:00 pm EST Join us via Zoom: bit.ly/4kvElxy (1/2)

Join us for the first webinar of the year! Strategies for Caregivers to Support Emotion Regulation DATE: Thursday, January 29th, 2026 TIME: 12:00-1:00pm EST SPEAKER: Rebecca C. Shaffer, Psy.D., HSPP 👉🔗 FB Register here to join via Zoom: bit.ly/4aQzbtj 👉🔗 FB Live: lnkd.in/ebj89xtu

We hope everyone is thoroughly enjoying the holiday season. Sending love from SPARK! ❤️ 🎨 Original artwork by: Alicia S., Autistic Adult in SPARK

Twins Kira and Aliya share many things: a bright smile, a love of art, and a strong resemblance to each other. The 10-year-olds also share the same condition: severe autism. 👉🔗 Read the full story: bit.ly/3Kz3MRr

With December already underway, we would like to wish everyone a wonderful holiday season filled with love, acceptance, and community. Season's Greetings to you all! ❤️ 🎨 Original artwork by: Alicia S., Autistic Adult in SPARK

Happy Thanksgiving! Be safe, eat well, and let the special people in your life know how much you love them! 🫶

Many things changed for Braxton Webb in his 30s. He learned he has autism and began working with autistic children. Now he’s raising two sons, one with autism and one with ADHD. Follow his journey. Read more here: bit.ly/4oRmTF2 👈✨

Join us for November's webinar: Gene-Environment Interaction in Autism-Cells, Populations, and Stakeholders with Heather E. Volk, Ph.D., M.P.H., on Tuesday, November 18th at 1-2:00pm EST Register via Zoom: bit.ly/4oskdh2 Join & RSVP via FB Live: www.facebook.com/share/1Czarh...

This SPARK Research Match report explores self-reported masking in sexual minority and heterosexual autistic adults. 🔎📋 Explore the full summary report here: bit.ly/3Wwby0Q

Tomorrow's webinar has a ton of interest! If you're available tomorrow at 1pm EST, you can join live! Otherwise, the recording will be available on our website, our social channels, and our YouTube! More info 👇

Raising three kids with autism in rural Mississippi isn't easy. For Ayesha, SPARK provided answers, hope, and connection. Through SPARK, she received genetic insights, opportunities to participate in research from home, and most importantly — the feeling that she wasn't alone. 🫶

Join us for October's webinar! Here's the scoop: 🗣️ The Numbers Behind Autism — Unpacking Prevalence, Trends, and Understanding of Heterogeneity 🗓️ Thursday, October 23rd 🕐 1:00-2:00pm EST Register - Zoom: http://bit.ly/4nRtpeI RSVP - Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CjA2WyXsi/

Join us for October's webinar! Here's the scoop: 🗣️ The Numbers Behind Autism — Unpacking Prevalence, Trends, and Understanding of Heterogeneity 🗓️ Thursday, October 23rd 🕐 1:00-2:00pm EST Register via Zoom: http://bit.ly/4nRtpeI RSVP via Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CjA2WyXsi/

SPARK's website is FULL of incredible scientific content! If you haven't already, spend some time exploring the history of autism research, and learn about the SPARK autism research study here: bit.ly/SPARK-Autism... 👈 🔎✨ Find our full website here: www.SPARKforAutism.org

Have questions about autism and want science-backed answers? Look no further! 💡✨ SPARK compiled answers to the most commonly asked questions about autism based on published scientific research. Tap through this post or find the full article here: bit.ly/SPARK-Autism... (1/6)

Join us for September's upcoming webinar! 👀 Details— 🗣️ Safety in Mind-Elopement Behavior in Autistic Children with Dr. Silvia Pereira-Smith 🗓️ Wednesday, September 24th 🕑 2:00-3:00pm EST 🔗 Zoom: bit.ly/3VbwLfF 🔗 Facebook Live: www.facebook.com/share/1CeoTr...

Discover SPARK— Read our latest article: 'The Little Known World of Autistic Women' 🔎 A researcher wanted to peek inside the little known world of autistic women, who are rarely studied. Some of what she found alarmed her. 🔗 bit.ly/4naKcso #AutisticWomen

🗣 TOMORROW 🗣 You can still register to join us live tomorrow! *If you aren't able to make it tomorrow, Aug 28th at 12:00pm EST, the recording will be available on our platforms once it concludes.

When a mother and her autistic son sent DNA samples to the SPARK study, they had no reason to suspect that they would both get genetic news. Full story here: bit.ly/462VbhE

Join us for August's webinar— 📌 Calm and Connected Care-Digital Tools Transforming Autism Support 🗣️ with Heather Nuske, Ph.D. 🗓️🕛 Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 12:00pm EST Register & join via Zoom: bit.ly/3HwQraF

Autistic students are less likely to receive sex education in school. Advocates say that puts them at risk for abuse and other problems. ➡️ Read the full article here: bit.ly/4mbcuCQ

A father spent years looking for ways to help his autistic son. That search led him to SPARK. Read the full story here: bit.ly/4fh6iGY

#FlatironCCB scientists Natalie Sauerwald, Olga Troyanskaya and colleagues leveraged @sparkforautism.bsky.social data to reveal four distinct groups that link autism-related traits with underlying genetics. Read more: www.simonsfoundation.org/2025/07/09/n... #science #biology #autismresearch

A new study from Princeton and @flatironinstitute.org researchers uses @sparkforautism.bsky.social data to reveal four distinct subclasses of autism. The work could open the door for more precise diagnoses and personalized support: www.simonsfoundation.org/2025/07/09/n... #science #FlatironCCB

This month's webinar will be here before you know it! Join us— 🗣Surviving and Thriving in the Real World-Building Practical Life Skills in Autistic Adolescents 🕛📆 Wednesday, July 23rd at 12:00pm EST Zoom: bit.ly/3IHRe8K FB Live: www.facebook.com/share/17GLgQ...

Our June webinar is only two days away! Join us live! 🫶❤ 📌 Love and Autism - Building Connections in Affirming Ways 📌 Wednesday, June 25, 2025 | 12:00pm EST Register here— Zoom: bit.ly/44bWeJZ FB Live: www.facebook.com/share/1AqXnX... *As always, we will post the recording for future viewing!

At least half of autistic children have trouble sleeping. The Simons Sleep Project has found an advanced way to study sleep while children are in their own homes. 😴🔎 Read the full article here: bit.ly/4kBRofM

Don't forget to join us this coming Thursday, May 29th, at 12pm EST! Details below 👇

Wandering is a huge safety concern for families with autism, particularly during the warm summer months. Please take a look at our article for tips since we are officially approaching summer: bit.ly/3GL58S4

Today is #MothersDay and, while we couldn't highlight every amazing SPARK mom, we want to thank each and every one of you for being so incredible. We hope you are reminded of how important you are and feel so special today, surrounded by those who love you. 🫶

📌 Join us for May's webinar — Needs of Caregivers of People with Disabilities in the Asian American and Pacific Islander Community 🗣 with Sumithra Murthy, Ph.D., M.B.B.S., M.P.H. 📆🕛 Thursday, May 29th at 12pm EST Register via Zoom here: bit.ly/3EX0gxh RSVP & join via FB Live here: lnkd.in/e_HJV_RE

Autistic people often face challenges in the workplace, particularly when they’re starting out. How have some SPARK study members responded? 👉 Full article here: bit.ly/4iEvLtP #WorldAutismMonth

📢 Apologies for the last-minute change regarding today's webinar. To accommodate some scheduling challenges, we pre-recorded the webinar with Dr. Chung, and you can now watch it in full here! 👉 SPARK Webinar: www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVOc...

🔔 Due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts, today’s 2:00 p.m. webinar, “Autism Research Needs Your SPARK: Moving Autism Research Forward,” will be at 4:00 p.m. EDT.

Dr. Wendy Chung will give her annual presentation on autism research & SPARK's progress in recognition of #WorldAutismMonth! 🗣️ Autism Research Needs Your SPARK— Moving Autism Research Forward 🗓️🕑 Tues, 4/22 | 2:00pm EST 🔗 Zoom: bit.ly/4ld6hq5 🔗 FB Live: bit.ly/4lc8zpb

It's officially April, which means #WorldAutismMonth is underway. While every month is ✨autism focused✨ at SPARK (it's what we do here!), this is a time for folks across the globe to learn about the autistic experience. Let us know what World Autism Month means to you!

See you all soon! 👇

Julia knew her daughter had autism by the time the girl was only 1. How could she be so sure? Read Julia's full story here: bit.ly/4iYpOsm #WomensHistoryMonth💖💪

It's almost that time — check out this month's webinar! 📌 SPARK Webinar | Special Education Law Overview 🗣 Kendall Eaton, Esq. and Mallory Legg, Esq. 🗓️🕛 Thursday, March 27th at 12:00pm EST Join us via Zoom: bit.ly/3XITBNl Join us via FB Live: bit.ly/3DrZc3Q

SPARK 🤝 Marcus Autism Center = greatness! We are so proud of our clinical sites for forging meaningful community partnerships & hosting events to connect with their surrounding communities. This #BlackHistoryMonth, we especially wanted to highlight their partnership with... (1/2)