ANNOUNCING: 2nd annual Brains for Autism 5K race to be held at White Rock Lake on Dec. 6th! Registration and all details on the race will be available in the fall. Also, Debra Caudy to run 26 miles for Brains! Debra Caudy, MD, our cofounder, will be running the NY Marathon in November to benefit Brains for Autism. To sponsor Dr. Caudy, click here. |
Autism is the fastest growing serious developmental disability in our country. Affected children suffer from severe deficits in language and social skills as well as repetitive behaviors and restricted, often obsessive interests. |
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The cause for Autism
We know that genetics plays a major role. The vast majority of Autism cases are
thought to be complex genetic disorders whereby one individual has several genes
involved in the development of the disorder, much like the genetic influences
with many cancers.remains elusive. |
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Almost everyone knows
Autism represents a spectrum of disorders. Some children are minimally affected,
showing strong language and academics, but are socially inept. Others are more
severely affected. These children have no functional language skills, restricted
interests and minimal, if any, social competence.
someone affected by Autism. |
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UT Southwestern is ready
With the completion of the Human Genome Project, the decoding of human DNA and the
momentum of the Cure Autism Act within Congress, there is no better time to look for
answers to this devastating disability. UT Southwestern is a magnet for talented
researchers. It is home to 4 Nobel Laureates (more than any other Medical school
in the world). Of the 50 National Academy of Science member researchers in Texas
(equivalent to the Sports Hall of Fame), 16 are at UT Southwestern.to get on the inside of Autism In 2006 UT Southwestern opened its new Advanced Imaging Research Center, which includes the most advanced brain imaging equipment available, as well as an Autism clinic through a collaboration with Children's Medical Center. This institution has the talent and the biotechnology to conduct outstanding biomedical research with Autism. Several established, as well as new, investigators at UT Southwestern are presently researching parts of the Autism puzzle and gaining insights into neurological abnormalities that impair social and cognitive function. Now, we want to push harder and faster. |
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UT Southwestern's Endowed Scholars
It takes money to recruit and equip the best talent. The mission of BRAINS
(Benefiting Research for Autism Investigators Now at UT Southwestern) is simple.
Our goal is to fund an Endowed Scholars Program for $3 million. This program will
guarantee the recruitment of a leading, young investigator every 4 years, indefinitely,
dedicated to Autism research.Program will focus research-driven fire- power toward finding answers to the puzzle of Autism. BRAINS for Autism and UT Southwestern are committed to raising a total of $1.5 million. This amount will then be matched by an anonymous donor to arrive at the $3 million goal. Our ultimate goal is to fund a Comprehensive Clinical and Research Center in Autism Spectrum Disorders, which will require a commitment of $10 million or more. |
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Help us get on the inside of Autism.
Thankfully, public awareness of Autism is exploding. This increased awareness
has helped to triple the federal funding within the past decade to up to $100 million.
However, this still pales in comparison to the estimated $500 million allocated to
childhood cancers, which affects far fewer numbers of our nation's children than
Autism presently devastates.We want our city, our communities, and our premiere medical center to win the day for these wonderful children. Make a donation that can make a difference for our children, grandchildren, friends and neighbors affected by Autism. Thank you for your time, consideration, and contribution to BRAINS for Autism. |
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Board of Directors
Clay Heighten, MD,
co-founder Advisory Council Lisa Monteggia, PhDEllen Haynes
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TO SUPPORT BRAINS FOR AUTISM,
CLICK HERE TO DONATE NOW
Informational Resources
News Articles
Inner Workings of the Autistic Mind
Luxe Magazine article - Life with Jon
Autism-related proteins found to control nerve excitability
Physicians help establish Endowed Scholars Program
in Autism Spectrum Disorders at UT Southwestern
Couple's son inspires Brains for Autism, $750,000 donation
Technical Articles / Papers
Parada LF Pten regulates neuronal arborization and social interaction in mice. Neuron. 2006 May 4;50(3):377-88.
Monteggia LM Activity-dependent suppression of miniature neurotransmission through the regulation of DNA methylation. JNeurosci. 2008 Jan 9;28(2):395-406.
Monteggia LM MeCP2-dependent transcriptional repression regulates excitatory neurotransmission. Curr Biol. 2006 Apr 4;16(7):710-6.
Monteggia LM Postnatal loss of methyl-CpG binding protein 2 in the forebrain is sufficient to mediate behavioral aspects of Rett syndrome in mice. Biol Psychiatry. 2006 Mar 1;59(5):468-76. Epub 2005 Sep 30.
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