Frequently Asked Questions

MAR-Autism is a non-genetic cause of autism that is caused by the presence of specific autoantibody combinations present in the mother of an affected child. These maternal autoantibodies can cross the placenta and the fetal blood–brain barrier, disrupting neuronal migration, maturation, anatomy, and function. Early findings also link antibodies associated with MAR-Autism to higher ADOS scores and an increased likelihood of autism with co-occurring intellectual disability (ID).

MARA is an immune system-mediated subtype of autism that is currently estimated to represent approximately 20% of overall autism cases.

Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder believed to result from a variety of factors including genetic and non-genetic influences. The spectrum nature of autism suggests multiple causes. MAR-Autism is one known subtype of autism caused by maternal autoantibodies. There is a need for better diagnostic and prognostic tests to identify children with autism earlier, even before symptoms appear.

The CDC estimates that 1 in 31 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with some type of autism, more than diabetes, Down syndrome, and cancer combined. The rate of autism varies by state, for example, California is estimated to be 1 in 19 children. 

Autoantibodies are proteins made by the immune system that can mistakenly target the body’s own tissues, and are linked to a subtype called MAR-Autism. A common example of an autoimmune disease is rheumatoid arthritis in which the body mistakenly attacks the tissue in the joints, causing swelling, and pain. Similarly, specific maternal autoantibodies can impact the fetus during pregnancy and can alter brain development of the child. The MAR-Autism Test identifies specific autoantibodies that cause the MAR subtype of autism.

MAR-Autism is a non-genetic cause of autism that is caused by the presence of specific autoantibody combinations present in the mother of an affected child. These maternal autoantibodies can cross the placenta and the fetal blood–brain barrier, disrupting neuronal migration, maturation, anatomy, and function. Early findings also link antibodies associated with MAR-Autism to higher ADOS scores and an increased likelihood of autism with co-occurring intellectual disability (ID).

This test is currently validated for use in a mother who has a history of a child diagnosed with autism or a child with signs suggestive of autism. The MAR-Autism test identifies up to 20% of autism caused by the presence of these specific maternal autoantibodies. This test is not validated for use in pregnancy, and should not be used to make irreversible reproductive decisions. Speak with your healthcare provider to discuss whether the test is right for you. ​

Our test has not been validated for use during pregnancy. Pregnancy is associated with physiological changes that can affect test performance. Regulatory guidelines typically require specific validation in distinct biological states like pregnancy to ensure that a test maintains its analytical and clinical performance characteristics.