The autism urine test that detects 90% of cases with 100% specificity is here. In this episode of Biohacking Autism, Nadia Elkhatib sits down with Dr. Christina Flynn, the chemical engineer turned PhD researcher who designed the MDM System under Dr. James Adams at Arizona State University.
Christina earned her PhD at ASU in December 2025 and now serves as Research Director at Autism Diagnostics Lab. She is also mom to Nico, her 14-year-old nonverbal son. The science she does in the lab is the same science she lives at home, and that lived experience shapes every part of this conversation.
Topics covered: what microbially derived metabolites (MDMs) are, why p-cresol may permanently disable a key dopamine enzyme in the brain, why the new ASD-MDM phenotype could finally make autism treatment biological instead of behavioral, where Microbiota Transplant Therapy (MTT) currently sits with the FDA, why home fecal transplants are dangerous, and where families can access the MDM test today through analudos.com.
From Dr. Christina Flynn, on the gut microbiome as a garden:
Imagine the developing gut microbiome as a beautiful ecological system, an internal garden whose composition exerts profound influence on early neurodevelopment. Under certain conditions, dysbiotic microbial populations, analogous to invasive species, may expand disproportionately, introducing a distinct metabolic signature long before behavioral features become apparent. The MDM System detects these molecular footprints, allowing identification of aberrant metabolic patterns during a critical window of neurodevelopment.
Connect with Dr. Christina Flynn
Autism Diagnostics Lab: https://autismdiagnosticslab.com
ASU Autism/Asperger's Research Program: https://autism.asu.edu
Connect with Biohacking Autism
Website and full show notes: https://biohackautism.com
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Products and Resources Mentioned
MDM Test via Analutos - https://www.analutos.com/our-tests/combined-gut-health-test-autism-screener/
Purpose: The autism urine test discussed in this episode. Order the gut health test or the autism screener add-on through Christina's research partner.
Autism Diagnostics Lab - https://autismdiagnosticslab.com
Purpose: The diagnostic lab where the MDM test will be available to families beginning May 2026, founded by the team behind the research at Arizona State University.
Gut Brain Axis Therapeutics (GBAT) - https://gbat.com
Purpose: The commercial development arm advancing Microbiota Transplant Therapy through clinical trials. Accredited investor inquiries only.
ASU Autism/Asperger's Research Program - https://autism.asu.edu
Purpose: Dr. James Adams's research program at Arizona State University. Source for trial enrollment updates and the microbiome donor request for adults born before 1960.
Flynn et al., Elevated Microbially-Derived Metabolites in Autism (Research Square preprint, October 2025) - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12622171/
Purpose: The peer-reviewed research behind the MDM System diagnostic.
Flynn et al., Review of Elevated Para-Cresol in Autism and Possible Impact on Symptoms (IJMS, February 2025) - https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/26/4/1513
Purpose: The comprehensive review covering 17 urinary studies that show p-cresol is consistently elevated in children with autism.
Amazon Basics Epsom Salt Soak (Magnesium Sulfate USP) - https://amzn.to/4urHSAT
Purpose: Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) for the sulfate-based bath Christina specifically references for sulfation pathway support.
Ancient Minerals Magnesium Bath Flakes - https://amzn.to/4n1ePS0
Purpose: Pure Zechstein magnesium chloride flakes for transdermal magnesium absorption. An alternative form some families prefer.
NOW Foods Activated Charcoal - https://amzn.to/4tGJFBW
Purpose: Activated charcoal capsules. Use only in small quantities and only under physician guidance.
Morning Pep Pure Birch Xylitol - https://amzn.to/4n2x2yN
Purpose: Birch-derived xylitol used as a sweetener that does not feed yeast.
Medical Disclaimer
This episode is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health protocol or your child's protocol. The MDM test is a screening tool, not a standalone diagnosis. Work with a clinician who understands gut-brain axis biology before acting on results.
Biohacking Autism with Nadia Elkhatib explores real solutions for autism anxiety, sleep challenges, gut health, MCAS, neuroinflammation, nervous system dysregulation, and caregiver health. Topics include autism gut-brain axis, microbially derived metabolites, p-cresol, microbiota transplant therapy, autism diagnostic biomarkers, functional medicine for autism, peptides for autism, autism parent burnout, longevity for caregivers, and integrative health strategies for autism families. New episodes weekly. Visit biohackautism.com.
