New Albany Family Dentistry

“But keep in mind the spectrum has broadened,” Butter says. “What wouldn’t have even been diagnosed in the 1980s is now captured as services expand. It’s a bit of ‘build it and they will come.’”

As the father of a 14-year-old son who suffers from Down syndrome and autism, Dr. William Smoyer, director of the Center for Clinical and Translational Research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, encourages families with an autistic child to get connected. “It’s a challenging disease, and you need places where coordinated care is available – psychiatrists, gastroenterologists, behavioral psychologists,” he says. “And by all means, get involved in research.”

Former New Albany resident Angela Barker would agree. It was in Dr. Eugene Arnold’s OSU research study that her 5-yearold daughter Rose experienced near-miraculous results. Arnold recognized that cholesterol, necessary for brain development and for the manufacture of vitamin D from sunlight, was measuring below normal in some autistic children. Adding carefully controlled doses of cholesterol to the diet might make a difference for this subset of autistic patients.

“Rose had been nonverbal,” says Barker, who moved to Newark in 2010. “She’d walk in circles. She had outbursts, extreme moments. But after the twice-daily dose of cholesterol, the results were almost immediate. She’s interacting, smiling – it’s been life-changing.”

The Ingrams’ son continues to move forward with his life. He’s now studying at Riv- erview, a Massachusetts boarding school that addresses language and learning disabilities. “They’re learning to live independently,” Marci says, “how to budget money, navigate around town.” He also takes classes at a nearby community college.

To those whose child has recently been diagnosed with autism, Marci would say, “It’s not the worst thing that has happened, or will happen, for that matter.” Tears well in her eyes as she adds, “I wouldn’t want any other child. All the funny, crazy things he does. This is my beautiful son. He’s the perfect one for me.”

Rhonda Koulermos is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at editor@ healthynewalbany.org.

Autism Resources

April is National Autism Awareness month. Turn to these local and national sites for news, support and updates.

Autism Treatment Network autismspeaks.org

Center for Autism Spectrum Disorder at Nationwide Children’s Hospital nationwidechildrens.org

Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinic at Nisonger Center, OSU nisonger.osu.edu

Growing Rose’s Foundation (Angela Barker’s journey) growingrosesfoundation.com