Development of a cell-based metabolic test for the identification of individuals with autism spectrum disorder

•Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis is challenging and based on behavioral evaluations because there are no specific laboratory tests.•Metabolic profiles can distinguish patients with ASD from typically developing individuals by differential utilization of tryptophan.•A specific protocol improved the discrimination of the test, optimized the test parameters, and minimized background noise.•The protocol exposes cells to a more challenging metabolic environment, enhancing the disruption of certain metabolic pathways in ASD cells.•This improved platform can highlight pathogenic mechanisms and molecular biomarkers for ASD, and validate the clinical diagnosis of ASD.