Ohio State University unveils research linking cholesterol and autism

Throughout the U.S., April signifies National Autism Awareness Month, where many institutions are releasing their findings or letting the public know of the current projects they are working on.

To recognize autism this month, Ohio State University Medical Center recently announced a new study that focuses on the potential connection between cholesterol levels and autism in children, news station WABC reports.

Researchers believe that in some cases, cholesterol levels could be too low and that this may have an effect on the child's development. Individuals who suffer from this condition often have difficulties communicating with others.


"This is a child that would have a blank stare and run from other people if she did not know them," Angela Barker, mother to Rose who suffers from autism, told the news source. "I would have to literally carry her up the stairs with me if I just went from one level to another."

However, after adding a packet of cholesterol to Rose's diet twice a day, Barker said her daughter is now reading, smiling and interacting like never before.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one in 110 children are diagnosed with autism each year.