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A new urine test is emerging that can detect autism in children
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The test identified 9 out of 10 children with autism and misidentified none as autistic
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The test relies on chemicals released by gut bacteria called metabolites
WEDNESDAY, June 3, 2026 (HealthDay News) — A simple urine test may help identify children more likely to have autism than the best assessment tools currently available.
Autistic children have specific profiles of gut microbes that may differentiate them from neurotypical (or typically developing) children, researchers reported May 26 in the journal. Molecular psychiatry.
The researchers found that a urine test based on these profiles correctly identified 90% of children with autism and misidentified none of the children without autism.
“What’s really amazing about bacteria is that they produce metabolites that are basically modified versions of serotonin and dopamine,” the researcher said. James Adamsis a professor of engineering at the Center for Biodesign for Health Through Microbiomes at Arizona State University (ASU) in Tempe.
“These are two key neurotransmitters that affect mood, cognition and memory,” Adams said of serotonin and dopamine. “This may explain many of the symptoms and co-occurring symptoms in children with autism – their social interactions, anxiety, depression and attention.”
Metabolites are chemicals produced by microbes in the gut. For the new study, researchers measured metabolite concentrations in 52 children diagnosed with autism and a control group of 47 typically developing children.
Almost all of the autistic children had at least one metabolite level that was higher than the highest in the control group, and some levels were 100- to 1,000-fold higher.
The autistic children had an average of about three elevated metabolites, while the typically developing children had none, the researchers said.
These include metabolites of tyrosine, tryptophan and phenylalanine, which are amino acids involved in key neurotransmitter pathways, the researchers said. Other compounds have been linked to yeast and fungal activity in the gut.
“What we discovered is that 80 to 90 percent of children with autism have elevated levels of one or more microbial-derived metabolites,” said the lead researcher. Christina Flynnrecently graduated from ADU.
Using this information, the researchers developed a urine test that looked at 17 specific metabolites in children between the ages of 2 and 11.
“Using this test will tell you which young children are at risk of being diagnosed with autism and help treat those who have already been diagnosed to lead their best lives,” Flynn said in a news release.
Many families wait a long time to find out that their child is autistic because current tests rely on observations of the child’s behavior. Researchers say the sooner autism is diagnosed, the sooner parents can support their child.
“We hope to reduce the stigma and shame associated with this condition,” said Flynn, who is the parent of an autistic child.
“Sometimes the reluctance to diagnose happens because parents feel like they’re not good enough parents and they’re judged,” she said. “But that’s not the case, because if we detect it in the urine, it’s a biological condition. Hopefully, this will prevent any hesitancy on the part of parents to seek treatment and seek it as soon as possible.”
The researchers noted that further testing is needed to make sure the urine test works.
“For many families, one of the biggest challenges is waiting — not knowing,” Flynn said. “If this test shortens that interval even a little bit, that makes sense because earlier intervention can really help.”
The researchers said the results may do more than help identify children with autism, as they point to a potential treatment target. Treatments that affect gut microbes, such as fecal transplants, can help.
“We think that lowering the levels of these metabolites can help these children lead healthier, happier lives, and we encourage children to be screened sooner to receive earlier interventions,” Adams said.
More information
The Autism Self Awareness Network has more information autism.
Source: Arizona State University, release, May 26, 2026
What does this mean for you?
Autism may be linked to microbes in the gut.
