The exact reasons for autism are unknown, but a pilot study in Scotland proposes there may be a link between a deficiency of fatty acids and the condition. The study suggests fatty acids in the blood of children diagnosed with autism behave differently than those in normal kids. The researchers have received further grants to carry out a larger trial, in which they will study and measure the blood fatty acid levels of 50 children with autism and compare them to non-autistic children. Fatty acids are found in fish such as mackerel and salmon and in supplements, but researchers said they did not know yet if taking such supplements could help with the condition.