Questions Families Ask About Maternal Autoantibodies
Mother Asking Provider Questions About Maternal Autoantibodies
Questions Families Ask About Maternal Autoantibodies
An educational resource for families, caregivers, and support organizations
Understanding maternal autoantibodies and how they relate to autism can raise many important questions for families. Below are clear, research-aligned answers to the questions families often ask, based on scientific studies and peer-reviewed evidence as well as information reflected in the MARAbio FAQs.
What Are Maternal Autoantibodies?
Autoantibodies are proteins produced by the immune system that mistakenly bind to the body’s own tissues instead of unwelcome invaders, such as viruses. A mother’s immune system naturally transfers antibodies to a developing fetus during pregnancy, which in most cases can help provide protection. In some cases however, specific maternal autoantibodies can interact with the developing fetus in ways that are not protective. For example, certain maternal autoantibodies can target proteins involved in early brain development of the fetus.
Certain maternal autoantibodies have been linked to autism. These autoantibodies have been studied as part of a biological subtype known as Maternal Autoantibody-Related Autism (MAR-Autism).
Do Maternal Autoantibodies Cause Autism?
Current understanding is that maternal autoantibodies are associated with a subtype of autism rather than being the cause of all cases of autism. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is complex and arises from a combination of genetic and non-genetic influences, and maternal autoantibodies represent one biological factor that researchers continue to study.
Does Everyone Have These Maternal Autoantibodies?
Research suggests that specific maternal autoantibodies linked to MAR-Autism are present in a subset of families. These maternal autoantibodies have been found in a wide range of mothers and the medical and scientific community does not yet know what causes these autoantibodies to arise in certain people.
There are many causes of autism including immune, genetic, and other known factors. The presence of the autoantibodies is not a universal feature in autism.
If I Already Have a Child With Autism, Does That Mean I Have Maternal Autoantibodies?
Not necessarily. Many mothers of children with autism do not have the specific autoantibodies associated with the MAR-Autism subtype. While maternal autoantibodies can be one factor in autism risk, they are not present in every case.
Can a Mother Have These Autoantibodies and Not Have Autism Herself?
Yes. Mothers with these autoantibodies typically do not experience autism themselves, nor are they diagnosed with autism based on the presence of these autoantibodies in her system. These autoantibodies may exist without other symptoms in the mother, but more research is needed to understand if there are any mild or unrecognized symptoms that may affect mothers with these antibodies.
Can These Autoantibodies Be Detected Through Testing?
Yes. In research and with the MAR-Autism Test, a blood test has been developed and clinically validated that can detect specific maternal autoantibody combinations. This test is designed to identify whether the antibodies linked to maternal autoantibody-related autism are present in a mother’s blood sample.
Importantly:
This test is not a genetic test and does not look at DNA
Testing is currently used in mothers with a history of a child with autism or developmental concerns
If the Test Is Positive, Does That Mean a Child Will Definitely Have Autism?
No, but a positive result does indicate over a 97% risk that current or future children have or will develop autism due to these maternal autoantibodies.1 This means the child has a very high risk of the MAR-Autism subtype, but it is not a diagnostic outcome by itself. Having a positive MAR-Autism test does not guarantee an autism diagnosis in the child, but it is highly likely. This is due to autism involving many interacting factors.
If the Test Is Negative, Does That Mean My Child Won’t Have Autism?
A negative result suggests that those specific autoantibodies were not detected, which implies a lower risk of maternal autoantibody-related autism specifically. However, it does not eliminate the possibility of autism arising from genetic or other biological causes.
Can a Child Still Have Autism Without These Autoantibodies?
Yes. The majority of autism cases are thought to arise from a range of influences including genetic factors and other biological processes that are not directly related to maternal autoantibodies. Autism is a spectrum with many possible contributing mechanisms, and the MAR-Autism test looks at one important contributing factor.
Why Is This Test Important for Families?
Understanding the role of maternal autoantibodies can:
Offer insight for some families into one of the biological mechanisms studied in autism
Support more informed, individualized conversations with healthcare providers
Expand the biomedical understanding of autism subtypes to guide future research and support strategies
At the same time, every family’s experience with autism is unique, and this information is meant to inform choices, not to prescribe them.
How Should Families Use This Information?
This resource is intended to provide information families can discuss with a trusted healthcare provider. It is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment planning.
Families interested in these topics may choose to learn more about:
Shared decision-making with their provider
Biological subtypes of autism
How emerging research and clinical testing complements behavioral and developmental supports
This article is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Families should consult qualified healthcare professionals for guidance tailored to their individual situations.