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 $50 gift card for the individual with autism upon completion of registration process

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

Questions? Contact Amanda Shocklee at 573-884-6092 or shockleea@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

Exploring Cognitive Abilities in Girls and Boys with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The goal of the study is to better understand possible gender-related differences in memory and cognitive abilities in boys and girls with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Participants will complete computer tests of thinking skills and memory, as well as complete questionnaires about thoughts and behaviors. We offer flexible scheduling including evening and weekend appointments.

• • • Eligibility requirements: Girls and boys age 11-15 with ASD
    • Time required: one study visit lasting approximately 2.5 hours
    • Location: University of Missouri-Columbia
    • Monetary compensation: Yes
    • Contact: Katie Bellesheim, 573-884-8109, bellesheimk@health.missouri.edu
    • Research study director: Shawn Christ, PhD

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

Feline Friends

The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of the adoption of a shelter cat for a child with autism and their family, and to study the experience of the cats in these new adoptive homes. This research is being done because there is currently no research showing the impact of cat adoption for children with autism and their families.

• • • Eligibility requirements: children with autism ages 6-12 years
    • Time required: 5-8 visits in participant homes lasting about 90 minutes each
    • Pet requirement: Families must agree to adopt a cat, and must currently have no pets in their home
    • Cats: Cats will be adopted from the Central Missouri Humane Society or Second Chance and be screened for calm temperaments
    • Location: Participant homes
    • Monetary compensation: Supplies for new cats including cat carrier, climbing tree and food throughout the time of the study
    • Research study director and contact: Gretchen Carlisle 573-882-2266, carlislegk@missouri.edu

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