Outreach Resources
Autism BrainNet promotes innovative, high-quality research on donated postmortem brain tissue to better understand the biological causes of autism and related neurodevelopmental conditions. The data generated will contribute to the development of new interventions that could improve the quality of life of individuals with autism spectrum conditions.
You can help spread the word about the importance of postmortem brain donation to advance autism research by sharing the following resources with your community and network, including families, friends, and colleagues.
General information about Autism BrainNet
Brochure
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Video Library
The impact of donation – How one phone call advances autism research
Research Findings from Postmortem Brain Research
Donation Process
Planning for Donation
Social media messages and graphics
You may copy and paste from the suggested messaging and graphics below to share on your social media platforms.
General Autism BrainNet messages and graphics
- Autism BrainNet works with scientists around the globe to advance research into the causes of autism and related neurodevelopmental conditions. Learn more at autismbrainnet.org
- We’re proud to partner with Autism BrainNet to increase our knowledge of neurodevelopmental conditions, facilitate brain donations, and advance brain tissue research. Learn more at autismbrainnet.org
- We work with Autism BrainNet to facilitate research that helps better understand brain changes linked to autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions. Learn more about Autism BrainNet at autismbrainnet.org
- A brain donation to Autism BrainNet creates a legacy that helps advance research on autism and related neurodevelopmental conditions. Learn more: autismbrainnet.org/families/how-why/
- Did you know? Brain donation is not part of most organ donation registries. We invite you to learn more about our partner Autism BrainNet if your family is interested in brain donation for research. autismbrainnet.org
Donation messages and graphics
- Autism BrainNet makes the process of brain donation as simple as possible for every family. Donor families are treated with respect and compassion and provided with ongoing support. Learn more: autismbrainnet.org/families/how-why/
- Pre-registration is not required to become a donor with Autism BrainNet. At the time of donation, call Autism BrainNet at 877-333-0999 for immediate assistance. They’re available 24/7. Learn more: autismbrainnet.org/families/how-why/
- Autism BrainNet has resources available for families considering brain donation for research. Long-term planning can make the donation process easier. Learn more: autismbrainnet.org/families/donor-resources/
Research messages and graphics
- Researchers from all over the world who are interested in studying autism and related neurodevelopmental conditions are eligible to apply to use postmortem brain tissue generously donated to Autism BrainNet. Learn more: autismbrainnet.org/tissue-application/
Autism BrainNet message to be included in your newsletter or website
You may copy and paste from the suggested messaging below to share on your newsletter or website.
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.
We work with Autism BrainNet 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.
Why is brain tissue research important?
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.
How does the donation process work?
Autism BrainNet makes the donation process as simple as possible for every family. Donor families are treated with respect and compassion and provided with ongoing support. These are the steps involved in the process of brain donation to Autism BrainNet:
- Call Autism BrainNet at 877-333-0999 for immediate assistance (optimally within 24 hours of the death of a loved one). If death is near, you can call Autism BrainNet to make plans for donation. Autism BrainNet’s staff is available 24/7 and will walk your family through the donation process.
- Autism BrainNet coordinates brain recovery and transportation to their nearest site.
- An Autism BrainNet clinician follows up with the donor family to schedule a video meeting or home visit to learn more about the donor.
There is no cost to families, and brain donation does not interfere with autopsy or funeral plans.
Autism BrainNet’s staff can be contacted anytime to answer questions or concerns about the brain donation process.
Pre-registration is not required to become a donor with Autism BrainNet. However, you can download and print the Intent to Donate Postmortem Brain Tissue for Research form and an Autism BrainNet Brain Donor Card to include in your preplanning documents.
Visit: autismbrainnet.org/families/donor-resources.
How can I learn more about brain tissue research and Autism BrainNet?
Families are welcome to subscribe to the Autism BrainNet’s newsletter to receive program and scientific updates. To sign up, visit: autismbrainnet.org/newsletter.
For more information about Autism BrainNet and the donation process:
Call 1-877-333-0999 | Visit autismbrainnet.org | Email [email protected]