In 1998, NAAR played a pivotal role in establishing and funding the Autism Tissue Program, a parent-led post-mortem brain tissue donation program dedicated to autism research.

The Autism Tissue Program makes post-mortem brain tissue available to as many qualified scientists as possible to advance autism research. Using brain tissue, scientists can go far beyond the

Without this tissue - the most fundamental, rare and precious of resources - studies that could lead to the treatment and eventual cure for autism spectrum disorders cannot be done. Brain tissue studies also increase our ability to learn to diagnose autism earlier and better assess the risks of inheritance.

The Autism Tissue Program is supported by Autism Speaks, in partnership with Harvard Brain Tissue Resource Center in Massachusetts and the Children's Hospital of Orange County in California (CHOC) (click here to read more about CHOC). This support ensures that this precious resource is available to researchers worldwide searching for answers to this devastating disorder. So far, over 42 studies have been made possible through the ATP.

Unfortunately most organ donor registries do not include brain tissue donation options. If you would like any information about the program or the important research using this resource, please call (877) 333 – 0999 or visit www.MemoriesofHope.org.

In January 2007, the Autism Tissue Program announced 8 new projects that have been reviewed and approved by the Tissue Review Board. Click here for details of the projects.

Click here to read a story about the winner of the Autism Tissue Program's poster contest.