University of California, San Diego - Autism Center of Excellence

12/04/2025

Are you curious about the genetic causes of autism? Are you interested in receiving genetic testing at no cost?

If so, we invite you to join SPARK - an online research study, Simons Powering Autism Research for Knowledge (SPARK), for individuals with autism of all ages. SPARK’s mission is to improve the lives of people with autism by identifying the causes of autism and informing more effective therapies, treatments, services, and supports.

Participation includes a 20-minute online registration. Children or adults with autism and their families are asked to provide saliva samples, complete compensated surveys, and learn about other research opportunities. Samples are paid up to $50 and surveys up to $25.
Registration can be done entirely online at https://sparkforautism.org/ucsd.sarrc or in person with the UCSD SPARK team. Please contact us at 858-761-4734 or [email protected] with any questions!

10/13/2025

Join us for this webinar on October 23rd, when Karen Pierce, Ph.D., will discuss how we know how many people have autism and why the count is always changing.

07/02/2025

🧬 Join the SPARK Research Study! 🧬
We’re looking to amplify voices from the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in autism research. Your story matters - you can help shape the future of autism research.

Click the link in bio to learn more and sign up!

04/07/2025

UCSD ACE is excited to be apart of NFAR’s Race for Autism this Saturday, April 12th! Scan the QR code or visit RaceForAutism.org to register for the Race! We hope to see you there 🦸❗️💥

02/26/2025

Learn the basics of genetics: How do genes work, and why are they important for health? Join Dr. Jonathan Sebat, Professor at UC San Diego, as he discusses the basics of genetics and how we can make a difference in shaping the future of personalized medicine.

01/30/2025

Learn the basics of genetics: How do genes work, and why are they important for health? Join Dr. Jonathan Sebat, Professor at UC San Diego, as he discusses the basics of genetics and how we can make a difference in shaping the future of personalized medicine.

05/21/2024

Join us Thursday, May 30th at 10am Pacific Time for a free virtual webinar: Eyes Wide Open.

Dr. Pierce will share research on the latest innovations in eye tracking technology and its current and future impact on autism diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment planning.

Register in advance by clicking the link below or in our bio:

05/15/2024

05/15/2024

Join Dr Pierce, Co-Director of UCSD's Autism Center of Excellence to learn how eye-tracking technology holds promise as a tool for tailoring ASD treatments and monitoring their effectiveness.

Register by clicking the link below:
https://bit.ly/3QN4ZUO

04/23/2024

Making early autism screening part of routine health care helps connect families to support and services as early as possible.

For the National Institute of Mental Health's 75th anniversary, view their featured story below highlighting NIMH-supported advances in early autism screening - including Dr. Karen Pierce, Ph.D., Co-Director of the University of California, San Diego - Autism Center of Excellence approach called the Get SET Early model.

Persistent, collective efforts in the research community show how making early autism screening part of routine health care can support the well-being of children and families.

04/22/2024

UCSD’s SPARK Study will be joining Autism Society San Diego this Saturday, April 27th showcasing the talents of autistic adults in the areas of art 🎨, film 🎥 & music 🎶

Location: Comic Con Museum @ Balboa Park
Time: 5:30PM-9PM

Purchase tickets here:
https://autismsocietysandiego.networkforgood.com/events/60578-lights-camera-autism