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
2026 Research Updates: GI Symptoms & Behavior
Free webinar at 1:00 p.m. Eastern time (US), December 2, 2026 Dr. Bradley Ferguson, PhD, a 2024 research grant recipient, will share emerging research on the interaction of GI symptoms and behavior in autism.
Toileting Challenges in Autism: What Current Research Tells Us
Free webinar at 1:00 p.m. Eastern time (US), September 23, 2026 Learn about evidence-based, effective strategies to manage constipation, encopresis, and other toileting issues in autistic individuals.
Autism in the Wild: Creating Technologies to Support More Effective Interventions in Real-World Environments.
Free webinar at 1:00 p.m. Eastern time (US), September 16, 2026 How can technology help us better understand and support autistic people in daily life? In this presentation, Matthew Goodwin, PhD, Professor at
Research Updates: Gastrointestinal Issues and Autism
Free webinar at 1:00 p.m. Eastern time (US), July 29, 2026 Harland Winter, MD, will discuss his research on gastrointestinal conditions in individuals with autism. Dr. Winter is an active investigator and educator
Managing Digestive Issues and Constipation in Autism
Rescheduled - June 23, 2026. (Originally scheduled for April 1st) Learn about evidence-based, effective nutritional strategies to manage constipation and other digestive issues in autistic individuals.
Autism & ADHD in Adulthood
Free webinar at 1:00 p.m. Eastern time (US), June 17, 2026 Dr. Wenn Lawson will speak about what it can be like navigating adulthood with both autism and ADHD, the impact of