Autism Spectrum Disorder: World's Largest Study On Autism, 'SPARK,' Plans To Gather Data From 50,000 People

A project seeking to gather DNA and other information from 50,000 people with autism and their families in the United States was launched on Thursday. The program is called SPARK, which stands for Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research for Knowledge.

Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) is funding the project, which is seen to be the largest study on autism. It involves more than 21 medical institutions, The Washington Post reported. Boston Children's Hospital, the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, the Kennedy Krieger Institute and Weill Cornell Medicine are part of the project on autism genetics.

How SPARK Works

Participating families in the project will give out DNA through their saliva samples. The samples will be analyzed through a genetic technique called whole exome sequencing, The Seattle Times reported. The genetic technique allows the identification of certain genetic markers for known and unknown conditions.

"SPARK will help researchers make new discoveries that will ultimately lead to the development of new supports and treatments to improve the lives of people living with challenges," study leader Wendy Chung, said in a statement, as per The Scientist. Chung is the director of clinical research at SFARI.

‘I am odd, I am new’: Boy with autism writes inspiring poem celebrating differences https://t.co/CanMKkQtxQ pic.twitter.com/BGdnuZUpdQ

— TODAY (@TODAYshow) April 18, 2016

Autism Diagnoses Rising In The U.S.

According to Autism Speaks, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are general terms that refer to a group of complex disorders of brain development. People with autism struggle with social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and have repetitive behaviors.

Data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention show that there were around 1.5% or 1 in 68 children identified with ASD in 11 tracked communities all over the United States back in 2012. Previous reports indicate an increase of children identified with ASD between 2002 and 2010.

The Washington Post said that diagnoses of autism in the country have picked up at a high pace. It added that a survey this year placed the autism estimate in one out of 45 children who are ages 3 to 17.