ASD Research & The Bank

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Research and the UMB Brain and Tissue Bank

ASD families have made research possible that is identifying the underlying biological causes of ASD.

Over 70 ASD families have donated tissue from their deceased family member to the UMB Brain and Tissue Bank. This lasting legacy has supported, and will continue to support, research by scientists who are ceaselessly working to solve the riddle of autism to cure, prevent and improve the life of the entire family.

Nearly 150 researchers have received donated autistic tissue from the Bank to address fundamental questions on the underlying causes of autism. 150 scientific papers have been published based on tissue received from the UMB Brain and Tissue Bank.

With the support of ASD families the UMB Brain and Tissue Bank is at the forefront in supporting research to identify the underlying biological causes of ASD.

• Research publications based on ASD tissue received from the UMB Brain and Tissue Bank.
• Article in the "Baltimore" magazine entitled "MIND OVER MATTER" that recounts the decision by two families to donate tissue for Autism and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis research.
• Article on the Interactive Autism Network entitled "The Critical Role of Tissue Donation in Finding Answers to Autism" 

SURGICAL TISSUE

The UMB Brain and Tissue Bank also collects, stores and distributes surgical tissue. Individuals with ASD who also have epilepsy occasionally undergo brain surgery to control seizures. This tissue is of interest to researchers and may be donated to the Bank. Please contact the Bank well before the surgery to make arrangements for tissue donation.