Determination of decreased metabolism of tryptophan in diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders

摘要

Methods for diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders are described. Methods include culturing a cell sample of a test subject with a tryptophan-containing energy source and examining the culture to determine the ability of the cells of the test subject to properly metabolize tryptophan. A determination that a subject does not properly metabolize tryptophan is an indication that the subject may be afflicted with autism. Methods can be utilized as a quick and reliable diagnostic tool for autism spectrum disorders and may provide a unifying model for the genetic heterogeneity of autism spectrum disorders.