Center for Autism Research at CHOP

Center for Autism Research at CHOP The Center for Autism Research (CAR) at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

The Center for Autism Research (CAR) is a collaboration between The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania. CAR's goal are to identify the causes of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and develop effective treatments.

The Power of Ten!Thank you for following along over the past 10 days as we get ready to celebrate 10 years of SPARK and ...
06/05/2026

The Power of Ten!

Thank you for following along over the past 10 days as we get ready to celebrate 10 years of SPARK and the incredible community that made it all possible.

Together, SPARK participants have helped shape a decade of research that continues to deepen understanding of autism and inform the future.

Our Family Fun Day Carnival is TOMORROW! Join us for games, arts & crafts, sensory-friendly activities, food, and a community resource fair. We can't wait to celebrate with you!

RSVP: https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/centerforautismresearch/spark-family-day-carnival

✨Community Partner Highlight✨

The Center for Autism Research at CHOP is home to SPARK and many other research initiatives dedicated to improving the lives of autistic individuals and their families.

As our understanding of autism has evolved, so has the scope of CAR's research. From infant development and language to genetics, neuroimaging, and community-based research, CAR's teams are working to answer important questions across the lifespan.

These advances are only possible because of the participation of individuals and families. Thank you for being our partners in research and discovery.

Learn about other research opportunities at CAR: https://www.research.chop.edu/car/research-studies

See you tomorrow! 🎪✨

06/04/2026

Seeking Gaming Systems! 🎮
The Autism Institute's SDARI Youth Program, which hosts kids aged 8-17, is seeking a gaming system for our participants to use during their break time. If you happen to have one lying around not being used, we would love to put it to good use! Any system is fine by us - Wii, old Playstations or XBoxes, etc.
If you have one that you would like to donate, please contact Kyleigh at [email protected]
Thank you so much!
Social Connections & Treatment Lab - SCTL

The Power of Ten!The SPARK Community Advisory Council (CAC) ensures that the voice of our community is reflected in our ...
06/04/2026

The Power of Ten!

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, including autistic adults, parents, and professionals who work in the autism community.

Learn more: https://sparkforautism.org/portal/page/advisors/

🎉 TWO DAYS AWAY! 🎉

Celebrate with us at our Family Fun Day Carnival! RSVP: https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/centerforautismresearch/spark-family-day-carnival

✨Community Partner Highlight✨

Today's spotlight is on the incredible organizations, teams, and community partners who will help make our carnival so special. From resources and research opportunities to arts & crafts, activities, education, and family support, these groups are helping create a day filled with connection, learning, and fun.

Be sure to stop by the resource fair, say hello, and learn more about the amazing work happening throughout our community! 💙

ABA Centers of Pennsylvania
AJ Drexel Autism Institute
ASERT Autism Resources
Aurora Autism Centers
Beyond Autism Services
Elwyn
Jefferson Autism Center for Excellence
Literacy and More
Mosden Music Therapy, LLC
Philadelphia Autism Project
Philadelphia Fire Department
Posibilidades Infinitas
Sky Zone Philadelphia, PA
Special Smiles, Ltd
Steady Strides Behavior Solutions
CAR Infant Brain Imaging Study (IBIS)
CAR Language Team
CAR PASSAGE Team
Center for Injury Research and Prevention at CHOP
Program in Advanced Imaging Research (PAIR) at CHOP
CHOP Reach Out and Read
CHOP Recruitment Enhancement Core & Research Family Partners
Lurie Autism Institute
University of Pennsylvania Autism Spectrum Program of Excellence

The Power of Ten!Researchers use SPARK data and SPARK Research Match to investigate a wide variety of topics, from genet...
06/03/2026

The Power of Ten!

Researchers use SPARK data and SPARK Research Match to investigate a wide variety of topics, from genetic changes to school services, and they publish their findings in scientific journals. Thanks to those who take part, SPARK has more than 250 research publications. Learn more: https://sparkforautism.org/portal/page/research-publications/

We’re three days away from our Family Fun Day Carnival of games, arts & crafts, sensory-friendly activities, food, and a resource fair! Join us!

✨Community Partner Highlight✨

We're grateful to Spectrum Designs Foundation, the team behind our anniversary merchandise. They are committed to inclusive employment opportunities that empower individuals on the autism spectrum to do their best work and thrive in the workplace.

We're also excited to welcome The Mercy Truck, who will bringing refreshments, resources, and activities for families to enjoy throughout the day. This non-profit organization exists to be an avenue of compassion and assistance to our community!

RSVP: https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/centerforautismresearch/spark-family-day-carnival

The Power of Ten! SPARK has expanded participation in research, helping ensure more voices and experiences are represent...
06/02/2026

The Power of Ten!

SPARK has expanded participation in research, helping ensure more voices and experiences are represented. With over 400,000 participants, SPARK is the largest study of autism ever.

When a community comes together, small moments add up to big impact. Be part of the celebration at our Family Fun Day this Saturday! Music, food, resources, and activities for all abilities.

✨Community Partner Highlight✨

We're thrilled to have SnapStation Photo Booths and Fiesta PARTY Rentals LLC at our SPARK Family Fun Day Carnival! Be sure to stop by the photo booth and one of the inflatable bounce houses!

We’re grateful for their support in helping create a day filled with smiles, laughter, and community connection.

RSVP: https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/centerforautismresearch/spark-family-day-carnival

The Power of Ten!SPARK has helped researchers better understand co-occurring traits and the wide range of strengths and ...
06/01/2026

The Power of Ten!

SPARK has helped researchers better understand co-occurring traits and the wide range of strengths and support needs across the autism spectrum. Together, we’re learning more every day.

Join us for a day of fun, connection, and community at our carnival celebration this Saturday!

✨Community Partner Highlight✨

We’re excited to welcome Face Painting by Beth and Live Balloons Party Entertainment to our SPARK Family Fun Day Carnival! 🎨🎈

These talented vendors will be helping bring the carnival to life with colorful face painting and creative balloon art for attendees to enjoy throughout the day. We’re so grateful for their support in making this celebration extra special!

RSVP: https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/centerforautismresearch/spark-family-day-carnival

The Power of Ten!What does ten years of SPARK mean? It means thousands of families contributing to something bigger than...
05/31/2026

The Power of Ten!

What does ten years of SPARK mean? It means thousands of families contributing to something bigger than themselves.

Through SPARK, families can receive personalized research updates and in some cases, genetic findings, helping make research more accessible and meaningful.

Celebrate with us! Games, sensory-friendly activities, arts & crafts, food, and more!

✨Community Partner Highlight ✨

We’re excited to welcome our friends from the Philadelphia Zoo and Please Touch Museum to our SPARK Family Fun Day Carnival! 🦒🎨

We had so much fun at Huddle Up, and we’re thrilled they’ll be joining us again to help create a day full of play and community connection!

RSVP: https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/centerforautismresearch/spark-family-day-carnival

The Power of Ten!SPARK has created a shared research resource that supports scientists around the world in advancing aut...
05/30/2026

The Power of Ten!

SPARK has created a shared research resource that supports scientists around the world in advancing autism research. Learn more: https://sparkforautism.org/portal/page/autism-research/

Community makes discovery possible.

We’re ONE week away from celebrating TEN years of discovering and building knowledge together! We hope to see you there!

✨Community Partner Highlight ✨
We’re excited to welcome Oblea Fusion, Peewee's Ice Cream, and The Plum Pit Food Truck to our SPARK Family Fun Day Carnival! 🍦🌮🍧

These amazing local vendors will be serving up delicious food and sweet treats throughout the event! Be sure to stop by, grab a bite, and support these wonderful community partners while you celebrate with us!

RSVP: https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/centerforautismresearch/spark-family-day-carnival

05/29/2026

There are spots left for our upcoming ADOS-2 Introductory/Clinical Training, hosted by Whitney Guthrie, PhD and Rebecca Grzadzinski, PhD and offered virtually through the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute in collaboration with the Center for Autism Research at CHOP

This training is designed for clinicians and researchers with experience working with individuals with autism, including psychologists, physicians, social workers, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and other professionals supporting individuals and families living autism.

Trainings are held live via Zoom from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST each day. Participants will receive instruction in the administration and scoring of ADOS-2 Modules 1-4, with the option to attend an additional day focused on the Toddler Module (ages 12-30 months).

Cost:
• 2-Day Introductory/Clinical Training: $650
• 3-Day Training (includes Toddler Module): $950

We are partnering with Behavioral Health Training & Education Network (BHTEN) to offer APA continuing education credits, and with Behavioral Healthcare Education to offer LSW and Act 48 continuing education credits.

Space is limited. Scan the QR code on the flyer to register and learn more or click here: https://bit.ly/486eSWk

Target Audience:
- Academic Faculty
- Hospital Medical Staff
- Community Physicians
- Resident/Fellows
- Medical Students
- Other Health Professionals

Upon completion of this series, participants should be able to:
- Identify the key features of the ADOS-2 approach, including the rationale for the approach and how it enhances autism assessment.

The Power of Ten!SPARK research continues to show that autism is not one single story, but many! Each experience is uniq...
05/29/2026

The Power of Ten!

SPARK research continues to show that autism is not one single story, but many! Each experience is unique and valuable. Because of families like yours, research doesn’t just happen. It grows, evolves, and becomes more inclusive.

The celebration is next Saturday 6/6 at the Roberts Center from 10–2. See you there!

✨Community Partner Highlight ✨

We’re excited to welcome Sensory FIT to our Family Fun Day Carnival! Sensory FIT is an inclusive indoor play and community space offering open play, programs, events, and experiences for kids, teens, and adults of all abilities.

At the carnival, they’ll be hosting a sensory play room designed to support movement, exploration, regulation, and connection in a welcoming environment for all. We’re so grateful to have them helping create an inclusive and sensory-friendly experience for our community! 💙

RSVP: https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/centerforautismresearch/spark-family-day-carnival

Address

2716 South Street
Philadelphia, PA
19146

Telephone

+12674267540

Website

http://www.research.chop.edu/car-autism-roadmap, https://linktr.ee/carautism

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