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EDUCATION CENTER

Writer's pictureDr. Amber Brooks

Cholesterol Deficiencies and Autism


Many children with autism have low cholesterol and this has been brought to the forefront for some time now. A researcher at Johns Hopkins found that some of the behaviors that children with autism exhibit are in fact due to a genetic disorder called Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) and can be fixed with supplementation of cholesterol.


SLOS is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder and is due to a deficiency of 7-dehydrocholesterol (7DHC) reductase, the enzyme responsible for catalyzing the final step in cholesterol synthesis. As a result of the enzyme deficiency the 7 DHC accumulates and the level of cholesterol dramatically decreases. Although some children with SLOS have physical abnormalities, many are only mildly affected and behaviors may be their only abnormality. Obviously a child can have low cholesterol without having SLOS, this is why it is important to test and why supplementation in either case is warranted.


Some of the many things supplementation with cholesterol can do when needed include: improvements in sleep, aggressive behavior, walking, speaking for the first time and being more responsive socially. When supplementing with cholesterol you may also see decreased rate of infection, reduced skin rashes, reduction in self-injurious behaviors, improved muscle ton, growth, and decreased tactile defensiveness. Many parents see an improvement before the levels start to improve on actual blood tests, which may indicate the importance of this in the production of steroid hormones and bile salts.


Ask your doctor to do a cholesterol blood test to start with to see if it is low and you can make the decision to do genetic testing if applicable. It is very important to do testing and not medically advisable to supplement cholesterol unknowingly.

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About

Dr. Amber Brooks- Autism & Special Needs

Dr. Amber Brooks FNP, CACCP, BCIP, DC is a pediatric expert bridging alternative and traditional

medicine by providing individualized and comprehensive approaches to pediatric wellness. Her experience is unique, as she is Board Certified in Integrative Pediatrics, Board Certified as a Pediatric Chiropractor, a Family Nurse Practitioner and Craniosacral Therapist.

Dr. Amber Brooks FNP, CACCP, BCIP, DC.pn

Dr. Brooks FNP, CACCP, BCIP, DC has been extremely successful in assisting her patients in achieving optimal health and wellness by using the best integrative methods to help support their growing bodies. She provides traditional and alternative medicine for maximal health. Dr. Brooks has developed specialized methods to answer today's biggest pediatric health problems including allergies, constipation, chronic ear infections, birth trauma, developmental delays, digestive problems, Autism, ADD/ADHD, MTHFR, nutritional, and behavioral problems.

Dr. Amber Brooks FNP, CACCP, BCIP, DC has extensive experience solving complex pediatric and unique perspective of diagnosing the problem rather than treating the symptoms has led to 

remarkable results worldwide. Parents praise her current, yet practical, guidance to what a child is struggling with and tools to help the family improve their child's future health.

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