Plans are underway to perform whole-genome sequencing of the entire Simons Simplex Collection (SSC). Genomes from 553 families (2,174 genomes) have been sequenced and are available to approved researchers with no publication embargo restrictions. An additional 619 families (2,476 genomes) are currently being sequenced and are expected to be available in the fall of 2016. A four-month publication embargo will apply to that batch of samples. Sequencing of the entire collection is expected to be completed by late 2017.

Autism BrainNet has begun distributing postmortem brain tissue to qualified investigators working on autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders. Initially, distributed tissue will be restricted to donations previously collected by the Autism Tissue Program. Distribution of new donations (collected under the auspices of Autism BrainNet) is expected to begin in the fall of 2016.

New data were added to SFARI Gene in June. This data release included the addition of new human genes implicated in autism, new animal models, and new protein-protein and protein-nucleic-acid interactions of relevance for autism.

SFARI today announced the launch of SPARK, an online research initiative designed to become the largest autism study ever undertaken in the United States. SPARK will collect information and DNA for genetic analysis from 50,000 individuals with autism — and their families — to advance our understanding of the condition’s causes and accelerate the development of new treatments and supports.

SFARI is pleased to announce that it has selected six finalists in response to the Bridge to Independence Award request for applications. This new awards program is intended to invest in the next generation of top autism investigators by identifying talented early-career scientists and facilitating their transition to an independent research career.

Whole-exome sequencing and associated phenotypic data from the Simons Simplex Collection (SSC) are now accessible via WuXi NextCODE’s cloud-based database. This new platform allows researchers to view and analyze the data online and alongside other datasets, without needing to move or download the data files.

SFARI is pleased to announce that it has awarded four grants in response to the Novel Outcome Measures for ASD Clinical Trials request for applications. These grants will support research that aims to develop and validate objective measures for use in clinical trials targeting core symptoms of ASD and disruptive behavioral symptoms commonly reported in individuals with ASD.

SFARI is pleased to announce that it has awarded five grants in response to the Functional Screen of Autism-Associated Variants request for applications. These grants will support the development of medium- and high-throughput screens to test the functional effects of missense variants identified in the Simons Simplex Collection and other autism cohorts.