Early Data from National Autism Study Gives Glimpse of Autism in America
National study needs thousands of additional participants with autism
COLUMBIA, Mo. — The picture of autism in America is becoming clearer, as the nation’s largest autism genetics study releases initial results. To date, the Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research for Knowledge (SPARK) study has enrolled nearly 28,000 people with autism. Launched last year, the University of Missouri Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders has partnered with SPARK to collect at least 50,000 genetic profiles from people with autism in order to better determine the causes of autism. Early SPARK data reveals that:
–12 percent of children with autism were born prematurely, which is more often than typically developing children.
–Adults with autism are nearly twice as likely to experience depression and anxiety as the general population.
–Among all SPARK participants with autism, 58 percent are able to communicate by speaking in complex sentences.
–32 percent of SPARK participants have also been diagnosed with ADHD.
To date, approximately 50 genes have been identified that almost certainly play a role in autism, though scientists estimate that at least 300 more genes also are involved. SPARK seeks to identify these hundreds of genes related to autism. Researchers are learning how biological and environmental factors may contribute to the development of the disorder.
The Thompson Center is one of a select group of national research institutions chosen by the Simons Foundation to assist with recruitment for the study. While the SPARK effort at the University of Missouri is being led by Thompson Center Executive Director Stephen Kanne and his team, participants from across the country can complete the online enrollment. Currently, the Thompson Center has recruited 3,047 SPARK participants to join the study.
“SPARK empowers researchers to make new discoveries that ultimately will lead to the development of new supports and treatments to improve lives,” Kanne said. “SPARK is one of the most innovative research endeavors to date, and we encourage anyone with autism, along with their families, to take part in this project.”
Online registration takes about 20-30 minutes and DNA is gathered through saliva kits shipped to participants at no cost. Anyone interested in learning more about SPARK or in participating in the study can visit: www.SPARKforAutism.org/MUTC, or contact Amanda Shocklee at (573) 884-6092 or shockleea@missouri.edu. Additional statistics from the first SPARK Snapshot can be found here.
More about SPARK
SPARK 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. Researchers involved in SPARK not only want 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 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 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 is partnering 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, the Simons Foundation hopes to reach and engage a diverse and large number of individuals and families affected by autism.
About the Thompson Center
The Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders at the University of Missouri is a national leader in confronting the challenges of autism spectrum disorder and other developmental conditions through its collaborative research, training and service programs. Founded in 2005, the Thompson Center’s diagnostic, assessment and treatment services emphasize family-centered care that is comprehensive, coordinated, compassionate, culturally sensitive, and accessible for all.
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