FRAT Testing

Following increasing demand and interest we have decided to offer FRAT testing.

Folate Receptor Antibody Testing is looking at a very particular set of antibodies that can develop and that have a detrimental effect in the brain.

In a small population of diagnosed autism patients these antibodies have been noted to cause particular problems. Working to support Folate needs and overcome those effects can lead to a reduction in symptoms – classically people report that non-verbal ASD children can begin to talk after treatment.

There is no cure for Autism but there are ways to manage and help – and as part of the jigsaw of issues I do see this as useful.

However, in line with my normal approach I would not simply offer isolated FRAT tests. This would be seen as part of something that might result after a full assessment looking at the whole picture.

We therefore offer an assessment, appropriate testing arising out of that, which may include a FRAT test, and perhaps other testing alongside.

There would then be a follow-up consultation with results and recommended treatment which may include folinic acid (the usual currently recommended treatment in positive cases) which I can prescribe.

For more information about my approach, please see the main pages on this site.