What is the MAR-Autism™ Test?
This groundbreaking blood test, performed on the mother, helps diagnose a specific subtype of autism (MAR-Autism) in:
Subsequent children after one child is diagnosed with autism (younger siblings or prior to subsequent pregnancy)
A child with symptoms of autism or developmental delay
Preliminary academic research studies suggest that MAR-Autism can result in higher severity of autism and increased co-occurrence of intellectual disability.
The MAR-Autism test is not validated for women who are currently pregnant, under the age of 18, or are residents of the state of New York.
Take our brief quiz to see if you are applicable for testing.
What Causes MAR-Autism
Specific proteins cross the placenta during development and impact brain development
Proteins made by the immune system (maternal autoantibodies) can cross the placenta during development and disrupt fetal brain development. Preliminary academic research studies suggest that MAR-Autism can result in higher severity of autism and also increased co-occurrence of intellectual disability.
Scientists have learned that in some cases, the immune system can play a role in autism. Specific maternal autoantibodies, which are proteins made by the immune system that can mistakenly target the body’s own tissues, are linked to a subtype called MAR-Autism. These antibodies can cross the placenta and enter the fetal circulation, potentially affecting the development of the fetus, including the brain.
The MAR-Autism test detects these specific maternal autoantibodies and if detected, indicate a very high likelihood for the child to receive an autism diagnosis (approximately 260% to 300% more likely). The test only requires a small blood sample from the mother (none from the child). It’s processed in our CLIA-certified lab, and results are ready within 14 days.
Please note: MAR-Autism test is not validated for use during pregnancy.
Reasons for having a MAR-Autism Test:
Results may help guide family planning for future children (test is not validated for use during pregnancy)
Results prompt earlier referral for diagnostic evaluation and developmental intervention
Provides additional clinical information in unclear presentations or early symptomatic stages
Guide decisions around early therapeutic intervention even prior to formal diagnosis
Inform and triage high-likelihood siblings on long diagnostic waitlists
NOTE: All reasons for testing should be discussed with, and best managed by, your healthcare provider to account for your clinical history.
How the Process Works
“We are interested in having another child but me and my wife are hesitant because we fear that the child would have autism too. It would mean a world to us if you would be open to letting us buy a MARA test to evaluate the risk. We would be forever grateful.”
- Caregiver in MARAbio Market Research Study
Not a Genetic Test
The MAR-Autism test is NOT a genetic test. The difference between a genetic test and an autoantibody test lies in what they examine within the body.
Genetic tests analyze an individual's DNA to identify any potential genetic variants or mutations that may influence the development of certain conditions, providing insights into one's predisposition to inherited diseases or conditions.
Autoantibody Tests
On the other hand, 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.