Once your child enrolls in the BetterStem regenerative program, we begin with a comprehensive baseline assessment — one that looks closely at your child's metabolic, nutritional, and environmental health, yet is simple enough to complete entirely at home, with a single sample and no clinic visit required.
Autism spectrum disorder looks different in every child, and it's rarely the whole story on its own. Many children with ASD also experience co-occurring patterns — in gut function, cellular energy production, nutrient status, and everyday environmental exposure — that can be worth understanding as part of a complete picture.
Rather than guess which patterns may be relevant for your child, we look directly at the data. Your BetterStem care team reviews every result together with your child's history and exam findings, then uses that full picture to build your child's individualized plan.
This panel is a screening and planning tool, not a diagnostic test for autism. It does not identify a single cause of ASD — autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition shaped by many factors. What this panel does is give your care team objective, individualized data on systems that are commonly studied alongside ASD, so your child's plan is built around your child's actual biology.
Four core categories of testing, each designed to give your care team objective, individualized data about your child's biology.
This is the broadest test in your panel — a single urine sample measures dozens of metabolic byproducts across five interconnected systems.
What it measures: Byproducts of yeast, fungal, and bacterial activity in the digestive tract, including markers linked to Candida-type yeast overgrowth and to Clostridia-family bacteria.
Why we look at this for children with ASD: Gastrointestinal symptoms are reported at notably higher rates in children with ASD, and a growing body of research examines the gut-brain axis. This test lets your care team see whether microbial overgrowth markers are present for your child specifically.
What it measures: Krebs cycle markers such as succinic, citric, fumaric, and malic acid — the byproducts of how your child's cells convert food into usable energy.
Why we look at this for children with ASD: A subset of children with ASD has been found in published research to show signs of mitochondrial dysfunction. Since mitochondria power every cell, understanding cellular energy status helps build a plan suited to your child.
What it measures: Breakdown products of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin (markers like HVA, VMA, DOPAC, and 5-HIAA).
Why we look at this for children with ASD: These same neurotransmitter systems are widely studied in relation to social engagement, attention, mood regulation, and repetitive behaviors in ASD. Measuring their metabolites gives an objective look at this pathway for your child.
What it measures: Markers such as pyroglutamic acid, which reflects glutathione (your body's primary antioxidant) status, along with other methylation-pathway byproducts.
Why we look at this for children with ASD: Published research has explored differences in methylation and glutathione metabolism in some children with ASD. These markers help your care team understand your child's detoxification capacity.
What it measures: Functional markers of B-vitamin status (B2, B5, B6, B12), Vitamin C, CoQ10, and biotin.
Why we look at this for children with ASD: Selective eating and restricted diets are common among children with ASD, which can lead to nutrient insufficiencies. This panel flags specific nutrient needs so they can be addressed directly.
What it measures: Everyday chemical exposures grouped into families — phthalates and bisphenols (found in plastics), parabens (preservatives in personal care products), common pesticide residues, and volatile organic compounds from solvents, fuels, and household products.
Why we look at this for children with ASD: Early-life exposure to endocrine-disrupting and neurodevelopmental chemicals is an active area of pediatric research. For children with ASD in particular, some research has looked at whether reduced detoxification capacity may make everyday exposure more relevant to track. This panel simply shows where your child's exposure currently stands.
What it measures: Metabolites connected to mold exposure, which can come from certain foods (grains, coffee, dried fruit), water-damaged buildings, or general environmental contact.
Why we look at this for children with ASD: Mycotoxin exposure has been studied for its potential role in oxidative stress and immune activation. Because some children with ASD show heightened sensitivity in these same systems, this panel helps determine whether mold exposure is a factor worth addressing.
What it measures: A broad panel of metals in the urine — including lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and others — reflecting recent or ongoing environmental exposure.
Why we look at this for children with ASD: Lead, mercury, arsenic, and several other metals are well-documented neurodevelopmental toxicants for all children. This panel is a general environmental-health screen that identifies whether any current exposure sources may be worth addressing at home.
What it measures: Glyphosate, one of the most widely used herbicides, commonly found in conventionally grown food and water supplies.
Why we look at this for children with ASD: Glyphosate exposure has been studied for its potential effects on gut microbial balance. This marker rounds out the gut-health picture and helps your care team see the fuller context behind any gut-related findings.
The entire process happens at home — no blood draw, no clinic visit required for collection.
Your BetterStem test kit arrives with everything you need: collection cup, biohazard bag, ice pack, and a prepaid return shipping label.
Follow the step-by-step instructions in your Parent Guide to collect a first-morning urine sample from your child.
Freeze the sample, pack it exactly as shown, and drop it at a shipping location Monday through Thursday.
Results typically return within 5–10 business days. Your BetterStem care team will walk you through what they mean for your child's plan.
A complete, easy-to-follow guide to every test in your panel, exactly how to prepare your child, and step-by-step collection and shipping instructions.
The BetterStem Comprehensive Baseline Test Panel is provided for educational and clinical planning purposes as part of your child's individualized care at BetterStem. It is a screening tool, not a diagnostic test, and does not identify a cause of autism spectrum disorder. These are laboratory-developed tests; their performance characteristics have not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Results are not a diagnosis and should be interpreted only by your child's treating provider in the context of your child's full clinical history. Please consult your BetterStem care team with any questions before or after testing.