FRAT Test for Children – Clinical Information & FAQs for Families
Reviewed by Dr Lauren & Clinical Team
Marylebone Diagnostic Centre (MDC)
Why Families Search for the FRAT Test
Many families first encounter the Folate Receptor Antibody Test (FRAT) while looking for clearer understanding of their child’s development, learning, communication, or behaviour. This search often begins after a long journey of appointments, observations, and unanswered questions.
It is completely natural for parents to want to understand why a test has been suggested and what it may mean for their child.
Families commonly arrive with questions such as:
- Does the FRAT test diagnose autism?
- Can folate receptor antibodies cause autism?
- Why has my child’s doctor recommended this test?
This page has been created to answer those questions clearly, honestly, and responsibly, drawing on how this test is used by clinicians internationally and how results are interpreted in real clinical practice.
The FRAT test has been used across many countries for years as part of broader clinical assessments exploring folate-related pathways. For some children, it may provide useful supporting information that helps clinicians consider whether additional, carefully monitored strategies could be appropriate.
However, it is important to be clear from the outset:
The FRAT test does not diagnose autism or any neurological condition, and it should never be viewed as a diagnostic tool on its own.
What This Guide Will Help You Understand
This guide has been written to support families by explaining:
- What the FRAT test measures
- Why some clinicians request it for children
- What positive and negative results may indicate
- What the test can – and cannot – tell us
- What usually happens once results are available
Our aim is to provide reassurance through accurate information, while ensuring the test is understood in its correct clinical context.
What Is the FRAT Test?
The Folate Receptor Antibody Test (FRAT) is a blood test that measures antibodies directed against the folate receptor alpha (FRα).
Folate receptors play an important role in helping the body transport folate (vitamin B9) into cells, including cells within the brain. Folate is known to support normal cellular and neurological function.
In some individuals, the immune system may produce antibodies that interact with these receptors. The presence of such antibodies does not diagnose a condition, but it may provide clinicians with additional information when assessing folate-related pathways.
The FRAT test measures two types of antibodies:
- Blocking antibodies
- Binding antibodies
Each result is reported as:
- Negative
- Borderline
- Positive
It is important to understand that the FRAT test provides laboratory information only. Results must always be interpreted alongside clinical history, developmental assessment, and professional medical judgement. The test does not make a diagnosis on its own.
Why Families Are Offered the FRAT Test
Parents often ask, quite understandably:
“Why has this test been suggested for my child?”
The FRAT test has been used by clinicians internationally for many years as part of broader assessments exploring how the body handles folate, a vitamin known to be important for brain function and development. It is a well-established laboratory test, familiar to clinicians working in paediatric, neurological, and metabolic settings.
Doctors may recommend the FRAT test when a child shows differences in development, learning, communication, or behaviour. These may include:
- Developmental delays or differences
- Learning or attention difficulties
- Speech or language delay
- Behavioural or emotional regulation challenges
- Neurological or sensory symptoms
- A history of developmental regression or a pause in skill progression
In these situations, clinicians are not looking for a diagnosis from a single blood test. Instead, they are aiming to build a fuller understanding of the biological and nutritional factors that may influence a child’s brain function and day-to-day wellbeing.
The FRAT test is sometimes used to assess whether folate transport pathways may be affected. In selected cases, this information can help clinicians consider whether supportive and carefully monitored interventions may be appropriate as part of an individualised care plan.
Importantly, the FRAT test is not experimental and is not ordered routinely. It is used selectively, based on clinical judgement, and is always interpreted alongside:
- A child’s medical and developmental history
- Formal developmental or neurological assessments
- Other laboratory and clinical findings
For many families, reassurance comes from knowing that this test is one of several tools clinicians use worldwide to explore potentially modifiable factors. While it does not provide answers on its own, it can contribute to a thoughtful, step-by-step approach focused on understanding and supporting each child as an individual.
Does FRAT Diagnose Autism?
Clear answer: No.
The FRAT test does not diagnose autism.
- It cannot confirm or exclude autism
- It does not replace developmental assessment
Autism is diagnosed through:
- Detailed developmental history
- Behavioural observation
- Standardised clinical tools
- Assessment by trained specialists
There is no blood test that can diagnose autism.
This point is critically important and is sometimes misunderstood online.
Why Some Doctors Still Request This Test
Some clinicians request the FRAT test because, in specific clinical contexts, the results may help inform supportive management strategies aimed at easing certain symptoms.
How FRAT Results May Help Guide Supportive Care
This does not mean the test treats autism or any condition.
Instead, it may help clinicians decide whether folate-related pathways should be considered as part of a broader, individualised care plan.
In some cases, clinicians may consider:
- Targeted folate supplementation
- Metabolic or nutritional optimisation
- Monitoring response to supportive interventions
These approaches are personalised, carefully supervised, and based on the overall clinical picture — not the FRAT result alone.
Important Clarification for Families
- A positive FRAT result does not guarantee symptom improvement
- Not all children with positive results respond to interventions
- Some children with negative results may still benefit from other supportive strategies
- Decisions about treatment are not made by the laboratory
FRAT testing may help clinicians answer:
“Is there a biological factor here that could influence how we support this child?”
— not —
“What condition does this child have?”
What This Means in Practice
If a FRAT result is positive, the requesting clinician may:
- Discuss potential supportive options
- Decide whether further assessment is appropriate
- Choose to monitor symptoms over time
Marylebone Diagnostic Centre does not prescribe medication or initiate treatment based on FRAT results. All management decisions remain with the child’s clinician.
Where appropriate, Marylebone Diagnostic Centre can refer families to trusted specialist clinicians with experience in neurodevelopmental and autism-related care.
What a Positive FRAT Result Means
A positive FRAT result indicates that antibodies against the folate receptor were detected in the blood.
This means:
- The immune system has produced antibodies targeting the folate receptor
- Folate transport may be affected in some individuals
What it does not mean:
- It does not mean the test caused autism
- It does not prove a child’s symptoms are due to FRAT
- It does not predict developmental outcomes
A positive result is one piece of information — not an answer on its own.
Any next steps should be determined only by the clinician who requested the test, taking into account the child’s full clinical picture.
Does a Positive FRAT Result Mean FRAT Caused My Child’s Autism?
This is one of the most important questions families ask.
Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition influenced by multiple genetic and environmental factors. There is no evidence that FRAT causes autism.
Some studies explore associations between folate metabolism and neurological development, but it is essential to understand that:
- Association does not equal causation
- Not all children with positive FRAT results have autism
- Many autistic individuals have negative FRAT results
The presence of folate receptor antibodies does not establish cause, blame, or certainty.
What a Negative FRAT Result Means
A negative FRAT result means that no folate receptor antibodies were detected in your child’s blood sample.
For clinicians, this suggests that:
- Folate receptor antibodies are unlikely to be affecting folate transport
- No immune-related interference with folate uptake was identified at the time of testing
For many families, this can be reassuring. It allows clinicians to rule out one potential contributing factor and focus attention on other areas that may be more relevant for the child.
It is also important to understand what a negative result does not mean.
A negative FRAT result:
- Does not rule out developmental or neurological conditions
- Does not exclude nutritional, metabolic, or environmental influences
- Does not provide a diagnosis on its own
Instead, it forms part of a step-by-step clinical process, helping guide further assessment and discussion where needed.
Common Misunderstandings About the FRAT Test
Because information online can sometimes be confusing or incomplete, it may help to clarify a few common misunderstandings.
❌ “The FRAT test confirms autism.”
No. Autism cannot be diagnosed using a blood test.
❌ “A positive result explains everything.”
Child development is complex. No single test provides all the answers.
❌ “A negative result means nothing is wrong.”
A negative result simply means this particular factor is unlikely to be involved. Other aspects of development may still need consideration.
❌ “This test replaces specialist assessment.”
It does not. Developmental and neurological assessments remain essential.
This guide has been created because families deserve clear, balanced, and reliable information, especially when navigating complex and emotional topics. Our aim is to reduce confusion — not add to it.
What Happens After the Results?
After FRAT testing, results should be:
- Reviewed by the requesting clinician
- Interpreted alongside the child’s clinical history
- Considered together with other clinical and developmental assessments
Possible outcomes may include:
- No action required
- Further clinical discussion
- Nutritional or metabolic review
- Referral to appropriate specialists
Marylebone Diagnostic Centre does not provide treatment decisions based on FRAT results alone. All next steps remain under the guidance of the child’s clinician.
Frequently Asked Questions from Parents
Is the FRAT test painful?
The FRAT test is a standard blood test. Aside from the brief discomfort of a blood draw, it is not considered painful.
Can the FRAT test diagnose autism?
No. The FRAT test cannot diagnose autism or any neurological condition.
Should all children with autism have this test?
Yes and no. Decisions about testing are individual and based on clinical judgement. The FRAT test is not routinely required for all children and is used selectively where a clinician believes it may provide helpful supporting information.
Can this test predict outcomes?
No. The FRAT test does not predict developmental outcomes or future progress.
Is this test experimental?
No. The FRAT test is a laboratory-based test that has been used internationally to support clinical assessment. It is not a diagnostic tool.
Who should explain the results to me?
Results should always be explained by the clinician who ordered the test. If no referring doctor was involved, the laboratory report can be provided to your child’s doctor for interpretation and discussion.
Clinical Disclaimer
Important information
The Folate Receptor Antibody Test (FRAT) is not a diagnostic test for autism or any other medical condition.
Results provide laboratory information only and must always be interpreted in the context of clinical history, observed symptoms, and professional medical assessment by a qualified healthcare provider.
Marylebone Diagnostic Centre performs this test to support clinicians with laboratory data. All clinical decisions remain the responsibility of the requesting clinician.
Final Words for Families
If you are reading this page, it is likely because you are seeking clarity, reassurance, or understanding for your child.
It is completely natural to search for answers. Our role at Marylebone Diagnostic Centre is to ensure information is provided accurately, responsibly, and without false promises.
Please note that FRAT results can take time to return — typically a minimum of six weeks.
If you have been advised to have this test, we encourage you to discuss the following with your clinician:
- Why the test was requested
- What your clinician hopes to learn
- How the results will be used
Clear communication matters — especially when it comes to children.
