SPARK

SPARK is a free online study with a simple mission: to speed up research and advance the understanding of autism. By building a community of tens of thousands of individuals with autism and their biological family members who provide behavioral and genetic data, SPARK will be the largest autism research study to date.

Participation in SPARK can be done entirely at home — register online here.

• Register online in 20–30 minutes
• Complete a few questionnaires
• Provide a saliva DNA sample using collection kits sent directly to your home
• Receive a gift card up to $50 for the individual with autism upon completion of registration process

Find out more about what’s involved on our SPARK page.

Questions? Contact Samantha Hunter at 573-882-6479 or huntersg@health.missouri.edu.

Validation of a Salivary miRNA Diagnostic Test for Autism Spectrum Disorder

The purpose of this study is to validate the ability of a salivary RNA panel (diagnostic test) to differentiate children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from those with developmental delays. This study will help to further aid in diagnosing individuals with ASD.

• Eligibility requirements: Age 18-48 months with diagnosis of ASD or developmental delay
• Time required: 1-2 visits over the course of 12 months
• Location: Thompson Center
• Monetary compensation: Yes
• Contact: Kathy Hirst, 573-882-5643, hirstka@health.missouri.edu
• Research study directors: David Beversdorf, MD, Kristin Sohl, MD

Trial of Propranolol in Children and Youth with ASD and Predictors of Response

The purpose of this study is to investigate how propranolol—a drug generally prescribed for high blood pressure—might improve social communication in those with autism. We will also be looking into possible relationships between autism symptoms and how well someone responds to propranolol.

• Eligibility requirements: Age 7-24 with diagnosis of ASD
• Time required: 3 visits over the course of 14 weeks
• Location: Thompson Center
• Monetary compensation: Yes
• Contact: Samantha Hunter, 573-884-8939, huntersg@health.missouri.edu
• Research study director: David Beversdorf, MD

Physical Exercise to Reduce Anxiety in Children with Autism (PETRA)

The primary goal of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a physical exercise intervention program to determine its effectiveness in reducing anxiety in children with autism spectrum disorders. This study is specifically targeting under served children and families.

• Eligibility requirements: Age 6-12 with diagnosis of ASD
• Time required: 1-3 visits per week over the course of 8 weeks
• Location: Thompson Center
• Monetary compensation: Yes
• Contact: Megan Sweeney, 573-882-9457, sweeneyme@health.missouri.edu
• Research study director: Lea Ann Lowery, OTD, OTR/L

Trial of Minocycline in Children and Youth with ASD

The purpose of this study is to learn more about how a medication called minocycline could be used to treat some impairments related to Autism Spectrum Disorder. Minocycline is an antibiotic that is currently used for the treatment of acne.

• Eligibility: Age 12-22 with a diagnosis of ASD
• Time required: Up to 5 visits and 6 phone calls over the course of 3 months
• Location: Thompson Center
• Compensation: up to $500 for time and effort
• Contact: Violeta Douce, (573) 884-3501, douceav@health.missouri.edu
• Research study director: David Beversdorf, MD

AutismEYES

The purpose of this study is to validate the ability of a remote eye gaze tracker to differentiate children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to those with developmental delays. We will also be looking at how well eye gaze correlates with autism symptom severity and language ability.

• Eligibility: Age 2-17 years presenting for an evaluation of ASD.
• Time required: 1-3 visits over the course of 4 months
• Location: Thompson Center
• Compensation: Yes
• Contact: Julie Muckerman, 573-884-6838, muckermanju@missouri.edu
• Research study director: Stephen Kanne, PhD, ABPP