Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) & Special Needs
Clinical Testing Guide
Uncovering powerful insights — helping
clinicians match the dominant presentation to
the most relevant testing lens.
How Testing from Mosaic Diagnostics
Supports Clinical Insight
Why We Need to Look Deeper
ASD affects approximately 1 in 31 children in the U.S., with increased prevalence over the past two decades based on broader diagnostic criteria, expanded screening, and increased awareness. Diagnosis remains behavioral, but biology is deeply heterogeneous; no two presentations are identical. An integrated testing approach helps clinicians identify the dominant biological drivers and match them to the most relevant testing lens.
Explore Testing Lenses
ASD Rarely Travels Alone
Common Comorbidities
GI Dysfunction
33-55% of children with ASD
ADHD Co-occurrence
40–85% of individuals with ASD
Epilepsy / Seizures
10–30% of individuals with ASD
Sensory Processing Differences
60-96% show atypical sensory reactivity
Psychiatric Comorbidity
55-94 % of individuals with ASD
Sleep Disorders
50–80% of children with ASD
Metabolic & Mitochondrial
Commonly under identified
Individual results may vary.
A structured approach to targeted testing
Match the dominant presentation to the most relevant testing lens — then explore the exact panels that answer the clinical question.
Exposure Oriented
Connection
Concerns about toxins from mold, chemicals, heavy metals, or pesticides
DIG DEEPER
Toxic exposures, including mold-related mycotoxins, heavy metals, pesticides, and other toxicants, have been investigated as contributors of neuroinflammation, impaired detoxification, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress in susceptible individuals with ASD.
WHEN TO TEST
- Child lives or attends school in a water-damaged or high-mold-burden building
- History of regression following a known or suspected environmental change
- Impaired detoxification suspected (low glutathione, methylation concerns)
Metabolic Connection
Energy, nutrients & oxidative stress concerns
DIG DEEPER
Children with ASD frequently exhibit mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired neurotransmitter synthesis, oxidative stress, and nutrient insufficiencies — all measurable through organic acid biomarkers.
WHEN TO TEST
- Child presents with fatigue, regression, or inconsistent energy levels.
- Mood instability, anxiety, or hyperactivity without a clear behavioral trigger
- Nutritional deficiency, B-vitamin insufficiency, or mitochondrial dysfunction suspected
Gut-Brain Connection
GI issues, microbiome disruption & gut-immune connection
DIG DEEPER
Children with ASD show alterations in gut microbial composition, with disruptions in microbial diversity, intestinal barrier integrity, and gut-derived inflammation that may influence behavior, cognition, and immune regulation.
WHEN TO TEST
- GI symptoms (constipation, diarrhea, bloating, pain) accompany developmental or behavioral symptoms
- History of significant antibiotic use or recurrent GI illness
- Behavioral severity appears to fluctuate with diet or GI status
Food-Related
Connection
Symptoms linked to meals, specific foods, or food sensitivities
DIG DEEPER
Food-specific IgG antibodies may be elevated in children with ASD, of which eggs, milk, and wheat are the most common triggers, and may be associated with stereotyped-behavior severity and GI symptoms.
WHEN TO TEST
- Selective eating, food refusal, or pica behaviors are present
- GI symptoms or behavioral changes reliably follow specific foods or meals
- Caregiver reports child “does better” on elimination or restricted diet
Case Study: From puzzling symptoms to a clear path
The Challenge
- Anger outbursts
- Aggression
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Hypersensitivity to sounds and textures
Traditional tests like MRI and EKG couldn’t explain why
The Breakthrough
MosaicDX testing revealed:
- Mold colonization
- Clostridial overgrowth
- Neurotransmitter and detoxification imbalances
The Transformation
After targeted treatment:
- Mood stabilized
- Anger outbursts decreased
- Sensitivity to textures improved
Melissa Smith,
CPNP-PC, PMHS
“Erin’s mood is much more stable and her anger outbursts have decreased significantly because of the findings from the Organic Acids Test. ”
*Results shared by treating clinician. Individual outcomes may vary.
This webpage is intended for licensed healthcare professionals and is for informational and educational purposes only. The test results are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. All clinical interpretation should be done by a qualified healthcare professional in the context of the individual patient. Statements regarding associations between health symptoms and conditions do not constitute diagnostic claims.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prevalence and Early Identification of Autism Spectrum Disorder Among Children Aged 4 and 8 Years — Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, 16 Sites, United States, 2022. MMWR Surveill Summ. 2025.
- Lasheras I, Real-López M, Santabárbara J. Prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in autism spectrum disorder: A meta-analysis. An Pediatr (Engl Ed). 2023;99(2):102– 110. doi:10.1016/j.anpede.2023.07.003
- Eaton C, Roarty K, Doval N, Shetty S, Goodall K, Rhodes SM. The Prevalence of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms in Children and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder Without Intellectual Disability: A Systematic Review. J Atten Disord. 2023;27(12):1360–1376. doi:10.1177/10870547231177466
- Giliberti A, Frisina AM, Giustiniano S, Carbonaro Y, Roccella M, Nardello R. Autism Spectrum Disorder and Epilepsy: Pathogenetic Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications. J Clin Med. 2025;14(7):2431. doi:10.3390/ jcm14072431
- Frye RE, Rincon N, McCarty PJ, Brister D, Scheck AC, Rossignol DA. Biomarkers of mitochondrial dysfunction in autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurobiol Dis. 2024;197:106520. doi:10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106520
- Ratnaseelan AM, Tsilioni I, Theoharides TC. Effects of Mycotoxins on Neuropsychiatric Symptoms and Immune Processes. Clin Ther. 2018;40(6):903–917. doi:10.1016/j.clinthera.2018.05.004
- Lewandowska-Pietruszka Z, Figlerowicz M, Mazur-Melewska K. Microbiota in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci. 2023;24(23):16660. doi:10.3390/ijms242316660
- Li C, Liu Y, Fang H, et al. Study on Aberrant Eating Behaviors, Food Intolerance, and Stereotyped Behaviors in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Psychiatry. 2020;11:493695. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2020.493695
Not sure which testing path fits your patient?
Our clinical team helps you choose the right panel and interpret results with confidence.