Autism BrainNet announces the recipients of the 2021 Autism BrainNet Appreciation Award, a new initiative that recognizes outstanding partners and collaborators for their dedication to advancing brain tissue research in autism.

A new study of the postmortem brain showed that people with autism may have fewer inhibitory neurons in the prefrontal region of the brain. This loss of cells may affect the balance of neuronal excitation and inhibition that regulates the
activity of brain circuits.

We recently spoke with Annie Scheumbauer, mother of donor Bridget M. McCallister. Annie recounts Bridget’s life, her passions and challenges, and what led her family to make the decision to support autism research through the gift of brain donation.