Methods: Current evidence ties autism to high levels of brain inflammation and propionic acid produced by gut bacteria. In an effort to improve gut microflora and reduce inflammatory cytokines, patients consumed a combination of dietary supplements or antibiotics to correct small intestine bacterial overgrowth and consumed omega-3 (fish oil) and omega-9 (olive oil) to counter inflammatory dietary omega-6 fatty acids. Observations were made based on clinical follow-up and parent reports. 

Results: Patient outcomes were dramatic and unprecedented. Within days of initiating this protocol, young children became more aware of their surroundings, making more eye contact and initiating social interactions. Many children began speaking within 2-8 weeks and improvement in all developmental areas was re-initiated. Within several months, teens and young adults also demonstrated recovery and resumed the development of social skills and language. Over 12-24 months, autistic behaviors faded, developmental deficiencies resolved, and a variety of features of autonomic function greatly improved. Within this time frame, most children under the age of seven became indistinguishable from their peers. 

Conclusions: Recent research demonstrates a connection between ASDs and the gut microbiome, highlighting the need to more fully understand the “gut-brain axis” and how bacteria residing in the gut influence mood, learning, attention, awareness, development, and immune function. The observations described here are unparalleled in the treatment of autism and necessitate the attention of medical practitioners and clinical scientists.