SPARKing New Insight Into Autism Across the Lifespan

Autism is heterogeneous at many levels, including clinical symptoms and etiology. A key strategy in studying heterogeneous conditions is having large enough sample sizes to stratify into smaller groups that are more homogeneous. SPARK and Simons Searchlight are large and growing research cohorts of individuals with autism in the United States and individuals with genetically defined neurodevelopmental conditions around the world, respectively. They both provide freely available phenotypic and genotypic data with the ability to re-contact participants through the research match program. Deep dives into each gene in Searchlight provide comprehensive natural history data to understand the differing clinical courses to inform proper clinical care, and work toward treatment for each condition. Moreover, pilots of genetically based newborn screening programs for neurogenetic disorders can provide opportunities for equitable and early diagnosis to try to improve outcomes with earlier interventions.