What is the "Namecheck Protocol"
To treat autism?

Everything begins with an imbalance in the gut bacteria — more specifically, a condition known as SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth), where bacteria that should normally reside in the large intestine overgrow in the small intestine instead.

This imbalance can lead to inflammation in the digestive system and throughout the body. As inflammation develops, toxins are produced, sometimes resulting in symptoms such as gas, food sensitivities, and skin conditions like eczema, hives, or atopic dermatitis.

Sound familiar?

In some cases, fragments of these overgrown bacteria leak into the bloodstream — a condition known as leaky gut. Once in the blood, these fragments can reach the brain and disrupt white brain cell function. Normally, these brain cells (called microglia) help repair damage to neurons, but when overstimulated by inflammation and toxins, they can interfere with healthy brain development.

Other Processes That Contribute to Neurological Disruption

Faulty pruning: A typical infant is born with about 100 billion neurons. By age 18, the brain should reduce this number to around 50 billion through a process of synaptic pruning. If the brain's microglial cells are damaged (for example, during birth or early childhood), this pruning process is disrupted, which in turn affects neurological development.

Delayed healing after injury: In some children, the brain fails to heal itself properly after events like falls, vaccinations, antibiotic use, physical trauma, surgery, or emotional stress. Dr. Nemechek refers to this state as “mild brain injury.” While healthy children typically recover from such incidents quickly, those with underlying gut imbalances may experience worsening symptoms over time.

Cumulative damage: Each new incident, even a minor one, can add to the burden on the brain — leading to progressive deterioration, especially if the brain isn’t recovering in between.

Over time, these processes can lead to a wide range of symptoms:

• Attention difficulties

• Anxiety

• Hyperactivity

• Headaches

• Depression

• Tics and stimming

• Toe walking

• Rage episodes

• Developmental delay

• And in some cases — autism spectrum diagnosis

The Role of Propionic Acid

One of the key discoveries of Dr. Nemechek’s work is the role of propionic acid, a byproduct produced in excess by certain gut bacteria during SIBO.

In small children, this acid can cross into the brain and act almost like a drug. Some children who were previously developing normally experience a sudden regression in speech, behavior, or function — often following antibiotics, vaccines, or surgery — due to what Dr. Nemechek describes as “propionic acid poisoning.”

This acid has a toxic, sedating effect on brain activity, similar to tranquilizers or hallucinogenic substances. It’s one of the reasons a child may suddenly stop speaking or regress in other ways.

“The difference between a child with ADHD and one with autism is the amount of propionic acid, and the difference between a healthy child and a sick one lies in the health of the brain’s microglia.” — Dr. Nemechek

The Good News: The Brain Can Heal Itself!

With the right treatment and support — including reducing inflammation, restoring gut balance, and calming the immune response — the brain can begin to repair itself and rebuild function.

This is the basis of the Nemechek Protocol, a simple, science-based approach that has helped thousands of families worldwide.

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