Autism

Autism diet: from gluten-free to Nemechek protocol

autism mom blog nemechek

What autism diet have you tried? What are some obvious autism signs?

These are the questions I get asked the most. For people wondering what early autism signs we saw in Charlie, I wrote a blog post about autism signs in babies and toddlers. It’s a pretty complete list of symptoms and things to keep an eye on if you’re worried about your child’s development. 

Okay, so that was the easy question, but when it comes to a good autism diet, I don’t know what the right answer is.

Celiac disease and autism

I was diagnosed with celiac in 2020. It was a surprise to me as I’ve eaten gluten for most of my life without issue. I grew up in France and consumed pasta, baguettes, and beer weekly without problems. That changed when I turned 29. After a super-fun array of tests, including blood samples, a colonoscopy, and an endoscopy, my GI specialist broke the news: I had celiac disease. 

For people with celiac disease, gluten — a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye — causes an autoimmune response that damages our small intestine and can cause many other symptoms. The treatment is relatively simple, unless, of course, you’re French and baguette is your comfort food: you just stop eating gluten. There are no pills or transfusions or transplants to fix it — not yet, at least. It’s been an adjustment for me, but I feel better now.

Studies suggest that celiac is more prevalent in autistic people. Still, we didn’t want to put Charlie through a gluten-free diet unless he ultimately develops celiac disease too, which he currently does not have. Some people can be gluten-sensitive without having celiac, so maybe for them, it’s worth it. Everything points to gut health having far-reaching health implications, though. Hence, we give Charlie probiotics to give his body all the resources it needs.

The Nemechek Protocol and autism?

“The Nemechek Protocol for Autism and Developmental Delay is the most scientific and refined approach to reversing the devastating effects of autism, ADD, ADHD, SPD and the myriad of other developmental disorders.”

You’re probably wondering what The Nemechek Protocol is. Basically, it’s a nutrition/supplement protocol consisting of fish oil, olive oil, Inulin fiber, and an emphasis on avoiding Omega 6 oils.

I am not a fan, however, of its claim that it can “reverse autism.” Its recommendations do not appear to stem from evidence-based science, relying on what seem to be anecdotes to make its case. I’m all for giving our kiddos supplements, but you don’t need to buy a book to do that.

As a whole, though I’m not an expert, I’m not against the nutrition in these “autism diets.” But you have to be careful with what’s out there, to challenge claims that are too good to be valid, and to remember that the primary help your child needs should come in other, more direct ways. If you’re concerned about your kiddo’s nutrition, a blood test from the doctor is the perfect way to learn what their body might be lacking. Physical health is essential, but remember, it’s just one component of a holistic view of health.

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20 Comments

  • Reply
    Amanda McCarty
    2021-11-17 at 5:54 AM

    I was skeptical about the Nemechek Protocol until two weeks into it my 4 year old started looking at me straight in the eye. I saw a glimmer of my son again, who had started vanishing at age 2. I then went back and read the book cover to cover (I had only skimmed before). We are five months in and there’s still much to work on, but his progress has been miraculous. Feel free to email me, I’m happy to elaborate.

    • Reply
      Jeffries Jean
      2022-01-03 at 12:59 PM

      What is your exact diet

      • Reply
        Carkeia Massenburg
        2022-11-29 at 10:35 AM

        I am having such a hard time getting my son to take the products he can smell the fish in the liquid and no matter what I put it in he can taste it and won’t eat or drink it. I have tried the gummies he can spot it out and won’t eat it even if I put it in a bad of fruit snacks any suggestions

    • Reply
      Brendan
      2022-01-23 at 1:53 PM

      Can u send me more info please

    • Reply
      Madhumitha Mohan
      2022-03-08 at 10:53 PM

      Hi Amanda
      My son is going through the same issue. He is turning 4 this april. Could you please let me more about what diet and protocols you followed.

      Greatly appreciate your help.
      Thanks
      Madhu

    • Reply
      Esther
      2022-03-14 at 11:39 AM

      Hello Amanda, I’m interested please help. I have a five year old ☹️

    • Reply
      Zahra
      2022-03-26 at 1:14 PM

      Hi Amanda,
      My son is 6 yrs old and has mild autism. I’m skeptical about the nemechek protocol. Can you guide regarding your experience about the protocol.

      Many thanks
      Zahra

    • Reply
      Mrs Simpson
      2022-04-21 at 1:04 AM

      Hi Amanda,
      My son is four. I’ve tried Gluten-free. Can you let me know more about your experience?

    • Reply
      Saima
      2022-04-28 at 2:10 PM

      Hi Amanda,
      My son is turning 5. Could you please help me and give me more information on nemche k protocol and on diet.

      • Reply
        Lucy
        2022-07-07 at 2:35 PM

        Hi Amanda
        I would also like to know what diet are you following are just started on the Nemecheck protocol.

    • Reply
      Samuel Kolapo
      2022-06-23 at 4:32 PM

      Hello Amanda, I really need to hear from you please. This is my email (samykolapo@gmail.com). Kindly get in touch. I have a 4 year old son too and it hasn’t been easy. I would love you to elucidate.

    • Reply
      Nedda Nasir Lodhi
      2022-07-04 at 8:27 AM

      Please elaborate my email is

    • Reply
      Naughty Autie
      2022-08-31 at 1:49 AM

      Correlation is not causation. Just as vaccines don’t cause autism, so diets don’t promote ‘recovery’ from it. Some diets, such as gluten free, can help immensely where there’s a need for them (underlying coeliac disease or NCGS), but putting extra fat into the diet is not a ‘miracle cure’.

    • Reply
      Mandisa
      2022-09-01 at 1:16 PM

      What is it that you have to give the child

    • Reply
      Silvia
      2023-06-09 at 5:34 PM

      Hi Amanda, I´m about to start with the Nemecheck Protocol. My son is 4 years old. Do you have any idea of the prescription: I bought the book and it has not been delivered yet. I also bought the inulin and the Omega 3 that is considered in such protocol. But I now don´t know how to start using this

    • Reply
      Rumi
      2024-08-13 at 1:56 PM

      Hi Amanda, would you mind sharing more information. I have just found out about the Nemechek protocol and its confusing me. I couldn’t find your email. Thank you.

    • Reply
      Daphney
      2024-09-11 at 6:35 PM

      GN, can you assist or reach out to me. My daughter has been in this protocol as well. She’s showed great improvement with I contact and socialization. But I’d like to get help as well. I only give her the olive oil and the Omega 3.

  • Reply
    sk
    2022-03-30 at 9:23 PM

    I would love to hear more.

  • Reply
    Muhammad
    2022-04-23 at 5:48 AM

    Hi,
    Mybson is eight year old…mild austistic and non verbal can you please guide me….how to apply nemecheck protocol.
    Regards
    Anees

  • Reply
    Karyn
    2023-02-17 at 2:46 PM

    We’ve also used the Nemecheck Protocol, and it’s only been a month, but our son is much more regulated and even apologizing and has lost many of his OCD behaviors and anxieties. There is nothing harmful about the protocol, which is available on his website, his books, FB groups, etc., and it seems to have been a help to us. We are also gluten free, and avoid food dyes.

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