Autism Genetic Study Seeking Participants in Park Ridge Area

Families affected by autism can participate in the nation's largest study to uncover important genetic links to the condition by attending an on-site registration and data collection event in Park Ridge, IL. The event will take place on Saturday, September 28 from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM at Advocate Children’s Hospital, 1775 Dempster Street, Park Ridge, IL. Participants with autism will receive up to $50 upon completion of the study.

The research project, called SPARK (Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research for Knowledge), is working to collect family information and DNA samples from 50,000 individuals with autism and their family members. In Chicago, SPARK has partnered exclusively with Rush University Medical Center.

At the collection event, families with a loved one on the autism spectrum fill out a short series of online forms sharing demographic, medical and behavior information and complete a DNA test consisting of a simple saliva sample gathered through spitting or check swabs.

Participants are strongly encouraged to RSVP for the event in advance, however walk-ins are welcome. To RSVP for the data collection event or for more information, contact Holly Lechniak at SPARK@rush.edu or (312) 563-2765. To register in advance, click here.

If you are unable to attend, please visit www.SPARKforAutism.org/rush to participate in the study process from home.