SPARK Study

Over the next four years, the Center will zero in on the impact of personal genomic information given to individuals already diagnosed with autism and their family members.  Using surveys and interviews, researchers will assess reactions to genomic test results, including the impact on views of normality, capacity, responsibility, treatability, and prognosis, along with systematic consideration of the consequences for decision-making and life-planning. To conduct this research the Center will partner with the SPARK study — an ongoing study, funded by the Simons Foundation, to sequence the genomes of 50,000 persons with autism and their parents.