Sean

Our son Sean was, and always will be, our beautiful boy. He was taken from us at the age of 21, suddenly, without any warning. He was in the final year of his aerospace engineering degree but had already been accepted onto the Masters’ course. He learned to read at the age of three - or should I say he started reading at the age of three because he never really ‘learned’. One day he just knew how to do it.  That’s how it was with him - his brain was like a sponge - he absorbed anything and everything. He was witty and wise. Those who were lucky enough to be his friend were blessed to have someone they could always rely upon.

The decision to donate his brain - that magnificent, defining part of him - was not easily made.  It is not the discussion you have with a healthy young man.  However it will always be a comfort to us to think that something exceptionally important may result from the study of our exceptional son.

We are so very proud that Sean’s brain will be part of the Brain Bank for Autism – he would have made a difference had he lived and, through his donation, we are sure he still will.

Evelyn

Evelyn, who died when she was aged 44, had Asperger’s syndrome. Her mother, Charlotte, writes:

“Evelyn had great courage. After she realised that she had a terminal illness, she did some research on the internet and she said one day, ‘Mum, you may think that this is a terrible idea but, when I die, I want to give my brain to the Brain Bank for Autism at Oxford University.’ However, my reaction was that it was a wonderful thing to do.

Since then, I’ve supported her in carrying out her decision in every way I can. She felt that making this donation gave her life more purpose and she died with such grace and dignity, knowing that her gift could help future generations.”

Valentino

"My grandson Valentino (or 'Duke' as he was known within the family), had autism and sadly he died in September 2008. I have cared for him throughout his life and was his next of kin. At the time of his death, I read an article about the new Brain Bank for Autism in the National Autistic Society's Communication magazine and I decided to donate Duke's brain for research into the causes of autism. When a loved one dies, it is the worst time to try to make decisions but this has proved to be my one positive way forward after his death.  For me, he shone as a lovely cherished human being and I have been devastated to lose him. But I believe that my donation, and the others which are made, will provide hope that in future years there will be a much better understanding of autism and of children like Duke."

Emily Adams

Ragan

Ragan Baker 1986-2004. Her mother says that she always wanted to help end autism. Now she can. You can too by registering as a donor with the Brain Bank for Autism.

Alice

Alice, who died aged 13, had a rare chromosomal disorder and autism. Her donation was the first to be made to the Brain Bank for Autism & Related Developmental Research when it was set up at Oxford University. During her short life her parents always tried, in whatever way they could, to help her to have as good a quality of life as possible. At the time of her death, her parents said that, although they had lost their beloved Alice, they found some consolation in being able to help others by donating brain tissue to further research into autism and related conditions.

Four years after her death, Alice’s mother now adds, "It may help others who are considering brain donation to know that, for us, it was very positive, at a time of tragedy in our lives, to be able to make this contribution to scientific research. As our lives have moved on, we look back on the decision we made then as clearly the right one."