Brain and tissue banks serve the critical purpose of collecting, preserving and distributing tissue to qualified scientific investigators who are dedicated to the improved understanding of autism spectrum disorders and the development of effective treatments.
Donated tissue may provide key information necessary to help gain a better understanding of co-occurring conditions associated with autism.
Tissue donation is accepted by most major religions. All costs incurred by the donation are covered by the tissue bank. The procedure to recover tissue does not interfere with a traditional funeral service.
Parents and caregivers are urged to register their loved ones by contacting the University of Maryland Brain and Tissue Bank – sponsored by the National Institutes of Health and ARI or Autism BrainNet sponsored by SFARI and Autism Speaks:
Autism BrainNet
Toll-free: (877) 333-0999
Email Autism BrainNet
University of Maryland Department of Pediatrics
Toll free: 800-847-1539
Email University of Maryland Brain and Tissue Bank
Study investigates responses to pain in individuals with autism
A new study offers insights into the responses of adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) to painful stimuli. Tseela Hoffman and colleagues investigated pain perception in 104 adults, 52 of whom
Introducing the National Autism History Museum – Part I
Highlighting Bernard Rimland’s Vision and Contributions to the Autism Field To mark nearly a century of written history of autism, the Autism Research Institute (ARI) recently opened the National Autism History Museum—the
Microbiota therapy may lead to lasting beneficial changes in the gut health of children with autism
Microbiota transfer therapy (MTT) may lead to long-term improvements in the gut health of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), according to a recent study by Khemlal Nirmalkar and colleagues at
Exercise may help to lower levels of anxiety in autism
Anxiety is a very common issue for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and a new study from China suggests that vigorous exercise may help to reduce this problem. Hailin Li
Early exposure to pollutants may alter brain’s development
A new study suggests that exposure to air pollutants before birth and during childhood may lead to alterations in white matter microstructure in the brain. Abnormal white matter microstructure has been linked to
Widespread changes detected in the cerebral cortex in autism
New research indicates that in autism spectrum disorders (ASD), changes at the molecular level are present throughout the cerebral cortex rather than solely in cortical regions associated with language and social cognition.