Peer-reviewed publication demonstrates strong performance of a urine-based microbial metabolite screening platform for identifying a distinct biochemical autism phenotype

PHOENIX, AZ, May 27, 2026

A New Urine Test for ASD Screening

A urine test for ASD screening may help identify children who are at higher risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The MDM System™ uses a simple urine sample to measure specific biomarkers linked to autism.

A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry evaluated this approach. Researchers studied children between the ages of 2 and 11. The results showed 90% sensitivity and 100% specificity in the study cohorts.

These findings support the potential use of the MDM System™ as an objective tool for ASD screening.

Autism Diagnostics Laboratory today announced the publication of a landmark peer-reviewed study in Molecular Psychiatry, a Nature Portfolio journal. This study describes the scientific validation of the Microbially-Derived Metabolite (MDM) System a urine-based screening platform designed to identify children at elevated risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

The publication, titled “Elevated microbially-derived metabolites in autism: a possible diagnostic screening test for a distinct ASD phenotype,” was published on May 26, 2026.

The publication further proposed a distinct biochemical subtype termed “ASD associated with Microbially-Derived Metabolites” (ASD-MDM), characterized by objective laboratory evidence of elevated microbial metabolites linked to gut-brain axis biology.

“This publication represents an important milestone in the advancement of biology-based autism screening. For decades, autism diagnosis has depended on behavioral observation after symptoms become clinically apparent. Our findings support the possibility that measurable biochemical abnormalities may help identify risk earlier and provide physicians and families with additional objective information that may be harnessed to expedite early intervention.”

Christina K. Flynn, PhD — First author of the study and Research Director of Autism Diagnostics Laboratory

The study involved investigators from multiple institutions, including the Arizona State University Biodesign Institute Center for Health Through Microbiomes. It examined phenylalanine-derived, tryptophan-derived, and yeast-associated microbial metabolites previously implicated in gut-brain axis research. Notably, researchers observed that many children with ASD demonstrated metabolite concentrations substantially above those measured in typically developing children.

The MDM System™ is a non-invasive screening aid. It is not a standalone diagnostic test for autism. Instead, the platform is intended to provide additional information that may support clinical evaluation. For example, the results may help healthcare professionals identify children who could benefit from further developmental assessment. In addition, the platform may support research into biological subtypes of autism. Future studies may also explore precision-medicine approaches related to microbiome-associated metabolic differences.

Overall, the publication adds to research exploring the relationship between microbial metabolites, the gut-brain axis, and autism spectrum disorder.

Additional validation studies and commercialization activities are ongoing. In addition, partner laboratories have begun offering international testing access in select regions.

The publication adds to a growing body of literature linking microbial metabolites and gut-brain axis biology to autism spectrum disorder.

According to the company, additional validation studies and commercialization activities are ongoing. International testing access through partner laboratories has already begun in select regions.