SPARK in Zoo Miami | Autism Family Event

Lions, Tigers, Bears, SPARK, Oh My!

Join us to SPARK answers for Autism in Zoo Miami and enjoy the day at the zoo.

SPARK (Simons Powering Autism Research) is a national study committed to helping create a better future for individuals with autism and their families by speeding up autism research. 

The University of Miami & Nova Southeastern University-CARD (Center for Autism & Related Disabilities) is hosting SPARK in Zoo Miami at the Florida Room to help families complete their SPARK study registration. If you are currently participating in SPARK and have not returned your kits, please RSVP and bring the kits with you!

You're invited to SPARK in Zoo Miami with UM-NSU CARD's staff on Saturday, August 21, 2021, in Zoo Miami!

**No more appointment spots left? Contact UM-NSU's SPARK team at 305-814-5493 or [email protected] to learn more about our "Fast Pass" option before Monday, August 16th, 2021. You will be asked to meet in person at one of our UM-NSU CARD's offices to enroll in SPARK before 8/21 and pick up the Zoo admission in the Florida Room on the day of the event with no wait time. Please, note that we will NOT be accepting walk-ins.** 

WHAT:  Individuals with a professional diagnosis of autism and their biological family (both parents are encouraged to participate) will be asked to share brief information about the diagnosis and provide a DNA sample using a saliva collection kit.

Registrants will receive: 

• Free admission to Zoo Miami on August 21st*

• Information on UM-NSU CARD

• Up to $50 Amazon e-giftcard 

WHEN: Saturday, August 21st, 2021 openings from 9am-1pm

WHERE: Zoo Miami-12400 SW 152nd St, Miami, FL 33177                                                                                (Event will be held in the Florida Room. Located after the ticket booths on the left-hand side) 

WHO: New individuals with autism of any age, and both biological parents. Returning Families requesting free saliva assistance from our SPARK staff supervised by BCBA-D certified faculty are invited too. Previously participated families are not eligible.

REGISTER: RSVP is required and over-the-phone COVID screening. Fill out the Eventbrite form one per family below to select your appointment time to follow social distancing.

**Registration closed before Monday, August 16, 2021? Contact UM-NSU's SPARK team at 305-814-5493 or [email protected] to learn more about our "Fast Pass" option. You will be asked to meet in person at one of our UM-NSU CARD's offices to enroll in SPARK before 8/21 and pick up the Zoo admission in Florida Room on the day of the event with no wait time.** 

*Free admission to Zoo Miami will only be valid for August 21st, 2021. Only individuals with a professional diagnosis of Autism and their immediate family members (i.e. biological parents, and siblings) are eligible. All others will need to purchase their own admission.*

MORE ABOUT SPARK: SPARK is a landmark online research partnership designed to facilitate research that advances our understanding of the causes of autism and how autism impacts all those affected. SPARK will be successful only by collecting a significant amount of data provided by the autism community. SPARK researchers are depending on tens of thousands of families and individuals with autism to join this community and provide the data that will help power research aimed at isolating specific genes and/or causes of autism and translating those findings into real improvements. Learn more here.

FAQs

 How can I contact the organizer with any questions

Please, contact the SPARK team at our Google number: 305-814-5493 or [email protected] with any questions.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Please, contact the SPARK team at our Google number: 305-814-5493 or [email protected] with any questions.

Where do we meet to check-in and receive the Zoo tickets?

All families are required to check-in at the Florida Room (pass the ticket booths, and the building will be on the left-hand side).

What are my parking options for the event?

Free self-parking is available in Zoo Miami. 

May we bring food and drinks inside the Zoo?

Please, refer to Zoo Miami's FAQ page: https://www.zoomiami.org/faq

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Zoo Miami (Meeting spot: Florida Room), 12400 Southwest 152nd Street, Miami, United States