Could your child's autism be linked to a form of cerebral folate deficiency?

Folate Receptor Alpha Autoantibodies (FRAAs) are antibodies produced by the immune system that mistakenly target and bind to the folate receptor alpha (FRα), a protein critical for transporting folate (vitamin B9) into cells, particularly across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and to the developing fetus during pregnancy. There are two distinct types of folate receptor alpha autoantibodies – blocking and binding. FRAT^® detects both.

FRAAs represent an autoimmune-mediated folate transport disorder, highlighting the importance of screening in high-risk populations (e.g., ASD, pregnancy complications). Correcting folate deficiency with active folates (not folic acid) can be transformative, as seen in clinical cases where children regained speech and social skills.

Cerebral folate deficiency syndrome (CFD) is characterized by low levels of folate (vitamin B9) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CFD syndrome is diagnosed in early childhood and may be associated with developmental delays, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, speech and language impairments, movement disorders, seizures, and behavioral abnormalities. The severity and specific symptoms can vary widely among affected individuals.

CFD syndrome may be caused by genetic mutations that affect the transport of folate in the brain. There is also evidence to suggest that autoantibodies against the folate receptor alpha (FRα) in the brain may be involved in CFD syndrome. FRα is responsible for transporting folate across the blood-brain barrier. FRAT^® screens for autoantibodies against the folate receptor alpha (FRα).

Folate is vital for brain development, neurotransmitter balance, and neuroprotection. Deficiency can impair cognition and mental health, making adequate intake and transport crucial for optimal brain function.

Folate receptor alpha (FRα) autoantibodies (FRAAs) significantly disrupt brain development and function by interfering with folate transport into the brain, leading to cerebral folate deficiency (CFD) and associated neurodevelopmental impairments.

FRα is the primary transporter of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF, the active folate form) across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and choroid plexus. FRAAs bind to FRα, either blocking folate binding (blocking antibodies) or triggering inflammation (binding antibodies), impairing folate uptake into the brain. This may result in low cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) folate levels despite normal blood folate, disrupting critical folate-dependent processes like DNA synthesis, methylation, and neurotransmitter production.

Folate receptor autoantibodies (FRAAs) are increasingly recognized as a significant factor in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with research suggesting they contribute to neurological and developmental impairments by disrupting folate transport to the brain. Prevalence of FRAAs in Autism has been significant, with several studies suggesting that approximately 70% of children with ASD test positive for FRAAs.

Symptoms linked to FRAAs in ASD children with FRAAs often exhibit:

• Speech and language delays (e.g., limited expressive language)
• Motor impairments (e.g., ataxia, low muscle tone)
• Behavioral issues (e.g., irritability, stereotypy, sleep disturbances)
• Seizures

FRAT^®, is an acronym for Folate Receptor Autoantibody Test, is a blood test measures the presence of autoantibodies to the folate receptor alpha (FRa). If autoantibodies are present, then there is an indication that folate (vitamin B9) is not being properly distributed across the blood brain barrier and into the Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF). Folate is a critical nutrient for proper neurological growth and function.

FRAT^® (Folate Receptor Autoantibody Test) is a specialized blood test used to detect folate receptor autoantibodies (FRAAs). It is particularly relevant for individuals with neurological, developmental, or psychiatric conditions linked to cerebral folate deficiency (CFD) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). In particular certain groups may want to consider getting tested, such as:

• Infants & Children with symptoms of Cerebral Folate Deficiency (CFD)
• Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Developmental Delays
• Pregnant Women with a history of Miscarriages, Autoimmunity, or ASD in Prior Children
• Adults with Neuropsychiatric or Autoimmune Conditions
• Adults with conditions linked to FRAAs, such as depression, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder.
• Individuals with Unexplained Neurological Symptoms

To order a FRAT^® test, please visit https://www.fratnow.com/order-a-test-kit.php.

If FRAT^® is positive, then the presence of folate receptor autoantibodies has been detected. FRAT^® will screen for both blocking and binding autoantibodies and will be reflected in the test results. Additionally, FRAT^® results will also report a titer level for each specific type of autoantibody (blocking and binding) that is found.

If FRAT^® is negative, then the presence of folate receptor autoantibodies has not been found.

Folate receptor autoantibodies do fluctuate from time to time. This may be attributed to diet (exposure to dairy) or immune response at the time of testing. If FRAT^® is initially negative and there are still symptoms present, it may be recommended to re-test in the future. Please consult your physician.