Neuropathology of autism Project

Simon Baron-Cohen, Bhismadev Chakrabarti, Rick Livesey, Andrew Dean, John Suckling, Guy Williams

This study receives brains donated by next of kin when a person with autism or Asperger Syndrome dies. As well as whole brain analysis, specific hypothesis to test for regional abnormalities are investigated. Post mortem laboratory work takes place at the Addenbrooke's Hospital Pathology Department in Cambridge. Brain tissue is also tested for protein expression levels in order to understand the biological consequences of observed genetic differences in autism spectrum conditions.

Families who are considering making a donation of the brain of a relative with an autism spectrum condition who is still alive, or who has just died and the brain is still available for post-mortem, should contact the Autistica Autism Brain Bank which is based in Oxford. Any brains donated to the ARC are subsequently archived in the Autistica Autism Brain Bank in order to support the national effort.