Children's Hospital and the University of Colorado are taking part in a study to spread awareness on the causes of autism.
According to the Autism Society of Colorado, 1 in 68 children are diagnosed with autism in the United States. Children's Hospital and the University of Colorado have teamed up to help spread awareness of autism and how it effects the people of Colorado. SPARK is a study created to help scientists gain a better understanding of how the condition is transmitted and the genetics behind it.
In order for this study to be successful, Children's Hospital Colorado, JFK Partners, and the University of Colorado School of Medicine have teamed up to recruit participants for this study. There are 18,000 people already enrolled for the SPARK study but 50,000 participants are needed to be successful in the study. Dr. Wendy Chung, the principal investigator on the SPARK study states:
Statistically, if we succeed in working with 50,000 participants on the autism spectrum, we will be able to identify at least 250 genes that contribute to autism that can be used to better understand how the brain is different in individuals with autism and potentially identify targets to develop medications that can be used to support individuals with autism.”
The goal of this study is that the additional genes that play a role in autism can be identified. 32,000 more people are needed for this study to be successful. If you or someone you know is interested in participating in this study, please log on here.
