The Autism Tissue ProgramDaniel Lightfoot, PhD Date First Published: March 5, 2010
The ATP, a science program of Autism Speaks, was conceived to address a critical barrier to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) research by making post-mortem brain tissue available at no cost, to as many qualified scientists as possible, in order to advance autism research and unravel the mysteries of this disorder. Working with tissue banks, organ procurement agencies, medical examiners and the general public, this is the largest program solely dedicated to increasing and enhancing the availability of post-mortem brain tissue (that is, brain tissue donated after death) for basic ASD research. The differences we see among people with ASD raise questions about neurological development that can only be answered by studying brain tissue. Though state-of-the-art breakthroughs in MRI technologies allow scientists to peer directly into the brain to study changes in discrete brain regions, or from a simple blood sample, we can study the complex genetic foundations that may contribute to this disorder, it is only with brain tissue, that scientists can go far beyond the limits of these technologies and study autism at both a cellular and molecular level. Tissue research allows scientists to explore the genetic contributions that influence cellular changes within the brain, as well as discovering neurological states, otherwise undetectable through other methods of analysis. Brain tissue donations are rare and in great need by researchers. Though genetic studies and MRI technologies provide some insight into ASD, it is only through the direct examination of human neurological tissue that scientists are able to deeply understand the cellular and molecular states that contribute to autism. In many cases, meticulous comparative scientific studies of both tissue from people diagnosed with ASD and unaffected tissue are the only ways in which key insights into the biology of the human brain and autism can be gained. Without post-mortem brain donations from both individuals with autism and those unaffected by any neurological disorders, this field of research will falter and our understanding of this condition will be significantly held back. While in some states and countries, registration for organ donation makes the process automatic at the time of death (as on your driver's license), this is not the case for brain tissue donation. Because brain tissue is used for research and not transplantation, it is not included on most organ donation registries. Therefore, by registering with the ATP, you declare your intent to donate brain tissue as well as making your wishes known to your family in a formalized way. However, registration does not make tissue donation automatic at the time death. This final choice of donation is made by your next-of-kin, which in legal terms, is defined in this order: spouse, adult children, either parent, adult siblings, or guardian at the time of death. Should you choose to become an ATP registrant, and wish to donate your brain to the ATP in support of autism research, we encourage you to inform others of your wishes, including your immediate and extended family. Additionally, helping your friends and family learn more about the ATP and its mission will help them understand your unique choice. The Autism Tissue Program is funded by Autism Speaks. Autism Speaks and its many partners are committed to expanding and enhancing the Autism Tissue Program’s ability to collect more tissue for research through arrangements with professional tissue and organ procurement organizations and general awareness campaigns, worldwide. As the largest autism advocacy organization whose mission is to promote autism awareness, increase services, and fund biomedical research on the causes, prevention and treatments for autism, Autism Speaks has a strong stake in the priorities set forth by this program. What can you do to support the ATP?
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The donation and study of biological tissue plays a critical role in research efforts that are focused on finding treatments for many diseases and disorders. For autism, that program is the Autism Tissue Program (ATP).
