A boy playing with a toy airplane

Celebrating Five Years of Transforming Autism Research

Since 2016, the University of Minnesota has been a part of SPARK, a landmark autism research study that examines genetic, behavioral, and medical information from hundreds of thousands of people. Led by Suma Jacob, MD, PhD, director of the Autism Research Program in the CANeurodevelopment Lab, the University has helped SPARK enroll over 250,000 families that are affected by autism, making SPARK the largest study of autism ever. SPARK Research Match connects study participants with autism researchers around the world. To date, 33,676 families have been part of nearly 100 autism research studies through Research Match. As a result of the participation of so many families, SPARK is transforming the way that autism research is done. SPARK will continue on for decades to come, learning from participants as they grow and develop.

Other News

Two young children in gardening gear, one using a magnifying glass to inspect plants while the other takes notes on a clipboard

Cultivating the Adolescent Brain: MIDB’s Genius Labs Initiative Awakens Potential Through Nature and Play

Genius Labs is an experiential educational initiative that connects brain science, agriculture, and daily life.
Three young people, on the far left a woman with blonde hair wearing sunglasses, in the center a male with blond hair smiling and on the far right a young male with blond hair looking down

Study Shows that Children Score Worse on Cognitive Tests Following School Vacation

The researchers also concluded that children in research studies might be evaluated unfairly based on the calendar.
Dr. Casey Burrows holding an infant alongside Dr. Meghan's Swanson in an MRI imaging suite

Unmasking Autism

MIDB researchers lead the charge to understand this disorder at its earliest stages and to support families along the way.
View Archive