Autism BrainNet

A brain donation to Autism BrainNet (ABN) creates a legacy that helps advance research on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related neurodevelopmental conditions including Phelan-McDermid syndrome. Carolyn Komich Hare, M.S., CTBS, ABN Clinical Director works directly with donor families to facilitate the donation process and conduct essential clinical interviews.

Learn more about the planning process and the contribution to science that is realized with this most precious gesture. In the midst of grief and loss, ABN's donor families report that they find a sense of hope and purpose in their loved one’s continued contribution to science. Talking with family members about brain donation is a key aspect of long-term planning. These discussions are much less stressful when they occur in advance and minimize the burden of decision-making at the time of death.

Long-term planning will also help ensure that a donor’s decision is respected. Autism BrainNet works with scientists and families to promote a greater knowledge of neurodevelopmental conditions and brain tissue research while ensuring the smoothest donation process for families during a very difficult time. Studying postmortem brain tissue can lead to a better understanding of the cellular and molecular changes associated with ASD and related neurodevelopmental conditions in the human brain, as well as identify targets for new and effective treatments

About Autism BrainNet:Autism BrainNet is a program of the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) that promotes innovative, high-quality research on postmortem brain tissue to improve the understanding of the biological causes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related neurodevelopmental conditions.