SPARK for Autism

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Advisors

Date Revised: April 2, 2025

SPARK is committed to including diverse voices in every aspect of our research. We do this to ensure that our efforts improve the lives of the autism community based on scientific evidence. We work every day to further our study by listening to our participants, researchers, and the autism community. In addition, we rely on the following groups of advisors who focus on the improvement of the SPARK study.

A photo of SPARK's Scientific Advisory Board taken in October 2024SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD

The SPARK Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) works to provide guidance on matters that directly concern the SPARK study. For example, they guide our research agenda, and help develop and mature strategies to recruit, engage, and retain participants. It is made up of a broad range of advocates, parents, scientists, clinicians, and educators. Learn more…

COMMUNITY ADVISORY COUNCIL

The SPARK Community Advisory Council (CAC) ensures that the voice of our community is reflected in our work. We currently have more than 30 members from across the country with autistic adults, parents, and professionals who work in the autism community represented. Learn more…

SPARK's O&E Advisory BoardOUTREACH & ENGAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD

SPARK’s Outreach & Engagement Advisory Board (O&E) helps guide SPARK’s efforts to ensure greater involvement of all communities in autism research. Comprising a range of scientists, clinicians, and community leaders, this group offers valuable insights into strategies for building partnerships, raising awareness, and encouraging the participation of all eligible people in this important autism research cohort.  Learn more…

PARTICIPANT ACCESS COMMITTEE

SPARK’s Participant Access Committee (PAC) reviews all applications submitted for SPARK Research Match to make sure that the studies that apply for Research Match and are approved have the potential to contribute to the understanding of autism. The committee also makes sure that the studies are sensitive to the needs of the community. The committee members work to ensure that the studies align with SPARK’s mission, that they do not overburden the participants, and that any incentives given to the participants, such as gift cards, take into account the amount of time that participants will spend and the study’s budget. Learn more…