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Oregon SPARK: National Autism Cohort 50K

Contact Information:

Rhonda Eppelsheimer
[email protected]
503-494-2705

Project Description:

OHSU is one of 21 clinical sites partnered with the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) to bring you SPARK--a landmark autism research project. SPARK stands for 'Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research for Knowledge,' and the mission is simple: we want to speed up research and advance our understanding of autism to help improve lives. If you or your child has a professional diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and you live in the United States, we invite you to join SPARK. SPARK's goals SPARK aims to speed up autism research by inviting participation from this large, diverse autism community, with the goal of including individuals with a professional diagnosis of autism of both sexes and all ages, backgrounds, races, geographic locations and socioeconomic situations. Autism is known to have a strong genetic component. To date, approximately 50 genes have been identified that almost certainly play a role in autism, and scientists estimate that an additional 300 or more are involved. By studying these genes, associated biological mechanisms and how genetics interact with environmental factors, researchers can better understand the condition's causes, and link them to the spectrum of symptoms, skills and challenges of those affected. SPARK will connect participants to researchers, offering them the unique opportunity to impact the future of autism research by joining any of the multiple studies offered through SPARK. The initiative will catalyze research by creating large-scale access to study participants whose DNA may be selectively analyzed for a specific scientific question of interest. SPARK will also elicit feedback from individuals and parents of children with autism to develop a robust research agenda that is meaningful for them.

Keyword(s):

Autism, Research, Registry

Core Function(s):

Performing Research or Evaluation

Area of Emphasis

Health-Related Activities

Target Audience:

Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN

Unserved or Under-served Populations:

Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English

Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:

National