Fig. 4: Significant mediation models in the ASD group.

Significant mediation models within the ASD group, with the brain as the mediator between specific metabolites and behavior. For each mediation model, the figure contains the standardized beta and standard error: Std. β (SE) for direct effects. The indirect effect between the metabolite and behavior is listed below the arrow in brackets. * indicates significant indirect effects. A Right mid-insula: disgusting foods vs. rest, indolelactate, and ADOS RRB. B Right mid-insula: disgusting foods vs. rest, indolelactate, and ADOS total score. C right mid-cingulate: non-emotional faces vs. rest, tryptophan betaine, and disgust sensitivity. ADOS Autism Diagnosis Observation Schedule, ADI-R Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised, RRB Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors, DPSS-R Disgust Propensity and Sensitivity Scale - Revised, r_MI right mid-insula, MCC mid-cingulate cortex. Source data are provided as a Source data file.