How can I get a Skype consultation with Dr. Nemechek and what can I expect from a Skype session?

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Skype visits with Dr. Nemechek are used in 2 circumstances. The first circumstance is routine follow-up consultations after an initial face-to-face consultation with Dr. Nemechek in his Arizona (U.S.) office. Because of the initial face-to-face consultation, Dr. Nemechek can prescribe rifaximin and lab testing as part of these Skype consultations.nnThe second type of Skype consultation is for a one-time educational session for international patients. During educational sessions, Dr. Nemechek can review the case and help parents decipher and solve their child’s problems. Dr. Nemechek is unable to prescribe rifaximin or lab testing during the educational Skype consultation. Educational Skype consultations are not available to individuals residing in the U.S.

How does the protocol help improve sleep?

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Many children have difficulty sleeping because of the release of stress hormones during the day. The primary stress hormone is noradrenaline (norepinephrine) which is released in response to the low brain blood pressure problem commonly found in autism. As the blood pressure issue improves with recovery, noradrenaline levels decline, and the children can fall asleep more quickly and stay asleep longer.

Is there anything I can do to help my child sleep during the awakening?

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I recognize how challenging it can be when your child is keeping everyone up all night and so, for short term use, I am fine with people occasionally using melatonin to help you get past that phase. In North America the antihistamine Benadryl contains diphenhydramine which can cause drowsiness and can help you fall asleep and I am ok with that for occasional use as well. Once they are sleeping well I recommend that you discontinue. nnNOTE: I am aware that in some countries Benadryl has other ingredients so always check the label or consult with a physician before using.

Can sleep apnea in a child recover with the protocol?

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Yes, the protocol can help a child recover from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea does not seem to lessen the effectiveness of the protocol.

Why is my son’s recovery taking very long? He started before he was 3 and on protocol for almost 3 years. Rifaximin for almost a year and on VNS for almost 2 years?

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The recovery rates can vary greatly for children. Some have a great deal more developmental delay and autonomic dysfunction than others, while some children have more effective inflammation suppression with the protocol than others.

Can the protocol cause incredibly smelly gas and bowl movements?

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Potentially but in general parents report the characteristics of their child’s stool change in positive ways.

Why won’t my child socialize with other children?

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Socialization is a series of stages based on the ability to determine if interactions with an individual are safe from a primitive perspective. Typically, the child will first socialize with their mother. This is followed by comfortable interactions with their father, siblings, and house pet if they have one, then unfamiliar adults, and the final step is unfamiliar children.nYou need to look at the process. Your child might be gaining socialization skills but just hasn’t gotten to the last step involving children.

Is Soybean milk or almond milk ok to use?

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Alternative milk products such as soybean or almond milk are generally safe and allowed with the protocol. That said, these products are in no way natural “milk.” They have limited nutritional value compared to dairy (cow) milk. I regularly encourage the parents of my patients to provide regular dairy milk instead of soy or almond milk.

I live in Spain and we have a great Olive Oil. It is award winning and organic and high in polyphenols. It’s also cheaper as we don’t have to pay for shipping. Is this OK to use?

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Spain makes many fine olive oils. Purchase your olive oil from a smallish, Spanish producer and you can’t go wrong.

Do I need to continue dietary restrictions once I start my child on the protocol?

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Once a child begins to recover, dietary restrictions cease to be helpful and can often be stopped. An exception is severe, potentially life-threatening allergies to foods such as peanuts. These restrictions need to be continued.