Understanding how mitochondria affect neurological disorders in children

Researchers are trying to understand why some children with autism, epilepsy, brain tumors, and other neurological conditions have problems with their mitochondria—tiny structures inside cells that produce energy. This study will collect blood, urine, and stool samples from children with these conditions and compare them to healthy children, using a special machine called the Seahorse Analyzer to measure how well mitochondria are working. The goal is to find new, non-invasive ways to identify children who have mitochondrial problems without needing painful muscle biopsies.

Mitochondrial dysfunction—when these cellular energy factories don't work properly—is believed to play a role in many neurological and developmental disorders, but doctors don't have good, simple tests to detect it. This trial aims to develop a better, less invasive method to identify which children have mitochondrial problems, which could eventually lead to earlier diagnosis and better treatment.