New urine test provides simple way to screen for autism in children (opens in new tab)

A simple urine test may help identify children at risk for autism sooner than current assessments — opening the door for earlier diagnosis and treatment, and better long-term outcomes for children who do have autism spectrum disorder.Arizona State University scientists and their collaborators have developed a new screening tool to test urine for 17 microbial metabolites — small molecules produced by microorganisms in the gut — in children ages 2 to 11 years.