We are currently receiving an extremely high number of enquiries from people seeking FRAT tests to test for Cerebral Folate Deficiency. This is following a news article in mainstream media about Autism symptoms being reversed using a ‘cheap’ drug that is only available with a positive FRAT test.  

FRAT testing in the UK is not routinely available. It is available on a research basis only. 

The form of Cerebral Folate Deficiency referred to in the article is not an inherited metabolic disorder. It is believed to be caused by an auto-antibody, rather than being an inherited metabolic disorder due to changes in the FOLR1 gene.   

If you have any questions or concerns about testing and/or management plans relating to the publication of the news article, we kindly ask that you speak to your GP or healthcare professional managing yours or the child’s current care. 

We’d like to thank our colleagues in inherited metabolic disorder and neurology specialties who have supported the development of this statement.