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.

In this study, researchers examined the type and frequency of somatic mutations in the brain of people with and without autism, suggesting that somatic mutations within certain regions of the brain DNA may contribute to autism risk.

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.