Luciana Leo LAc
What if we could test for ASD?
New autism saliva test

"The Pediatrician says that she is just too hyper", "He just has a lot of sensory problems", "He is so smart, he is just not talking yet. He is a late bloomer" "If she could only focus more"
These are some of the things I hear in my practice from parents of young children during their initial consultation. I see younger kids (3 years old or younger) receiving diagnosis of ADD, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorders, Developmental Delay, andPPD-NOS. As the years go by, and school and social demands increase, these same children are being diagnosed with ASD. Why is so hard for families to get a confirmed ASD diagnosis sooner?
I believe early diagnosis is as important as early intervention. What if I tell you there is a new saliva test for autism? Yes, Clarifi ASD can be use with children, as early as 18 months and as late as 6 years old, when there is a suspicion of autism. Clarifi can also accurately differentiate children with autism from those with other developmental delays, not just from neurotypical children. This unique feature can have a profound effect on the way autism is currently diagnosed, and how quickly services are accessed.
How does the test work?
Clarifi represents a new approach to autism diagnosis. It is based on RNA rather than DNA. Epigenetics rather than genetics. Using state of the art next-generation sequencing, researchers at SUNY Upstate Medical University, Penn State Hershey, and Quadrant Biosciences identified a broad panel of RNA features useful in diagnosing autism. These include both non-coding human RNAs such as miRNA and piRNA, as well as microbial RNAs associated with specific bacteria in the microbiome.
Why saliva?
Saliva is easy and painless to collect, preferred by families, is stable at room temperatures, and contains high concentrations of miRNAs.
Supported by peer review research
To review research papers and watch a video about the science behind Clarifi test, please click here
More information about the test
It takes 3 to 6 weeks to get the results
Fee: Direct to patient pay is $989 (FSA/HSA account applicable)
Test is by prescription use only
Test results indicate likelihood of an autism diagnosis (0 to 100%), provide biological data to supplement behavior assessments, and give a head start to families and the individual being tested. We know that early identification, early interventions, and intensity are critical and make a difference.
If you are interested on having your child tested, or you have more questions or concerns, feel free to contact me via email at lucianaleolac@gmail.com
About Luciana Leo
Luciana holds a Master of Science degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and practices as a Licensed Acupuncture Physician (LAc) in Florida. She provides integrated and comprehensive care for individuals with cognitive, neurological, psychological and emotional conditions. Certified in Neuro-Endo-Immune (NEI) Connections, her major interests are in the assessment and treatment of imbalances in the nervous, endocrine, and immune system. Luciana’s career actively focuses on preventative care, offering her patients intervention, risk prevention of chronic diseases through lifestyle changes, testing, and advice on the nutritional and supplement components to benefit their wellness. Luciana has been part of the healthcare community for over 15 years, and she is a strong advocate of preventive care. She understands that a comprehensive preventive care program can lower the odds of an individual becoming another negative health-related statistic.
Luciana's practice is located in Miami, Florida. She also offers Telemedicine. To learn more about her practice, or to schedule a consultation, visit her website
#clarifi #ASD #careguide #preventivealternativecare #caregiversguide #autism #lucianaleo #preventivemedicine #alternativemedicine #TCM #pediatrics #acupuncture #miami #earlyinterventions