Brain donation plays a vital role in autism research, and David G. Amaral, Ph.D., explains how families can get involved.
By
Lana Pine
| Published on January 29, 2025
2 min read
In an interview with The Educated Patient, David G. Amaral, Ph.D., scientific director of Autism BrainNet and UC Davis distinguished professor at The M.I.N.D. Institute, discusses the importance of brain research in understanding autism. He highlights that while autism is a heterogeneous condition, it often coexists with other conditions, such as epilepsy, anxiety, sleep disorders and motor dysfunction. These issues stem from changes in brain structure and function, but the precise mechanisms remain unclear. By studying the autistic brain, researchers hope to uncover cellular and molecular changes that could lead to more targeted treatments, much like advances in Alzheimer’s disease research.
A key focus of the discussion is brain donation, which Amaral emphasizes as a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of autism research. Unlike organ donation, brain donation is strictly for scientific study and requires separate consent. Families of autistic individuals are encouraged to consider this option in advance to ensure a smooth process. Autism BrainNet provides resources to address concerns, including religious considerations, funeral arrangements and financial aspects — assuring families that there is no cost involved.
Amaral outlines the donation process, which begins with a call to Autism BrainNet’s 24/7 hotline: 877-333-0999. A trained clinician guides the family through every step, coordinating brain retrieval and transport to one of three U.S. collection sites. Families are later contacted for additional details about the donor’s medical history, which is crucial for researchers. The organization also seeks brain donations from nonautistic individuals to enable comparative studies.
The goal of Autism BrainNet is not to eliminate autism but to improve the quality of life for autistic individuals by addressing coexisting medical challenges. Understanding the biological basis of autism can pave the way for better treatments while respecting neurodiversity. Amaral urges the autism community to recognize the significance of postmortem brain research, emphasizing that such studies are vital for advancing scientific knowledge and ultimately enhancing the well-being of autistic individuals.