What Is GAPS?

If your child is struggling with behavior, focus, digestion, or frequent illnesses, you may be wondering what’s going on and what can actually help. That’s where GAPS comes in.

A Mother on a Mission

GAPS stands for Gut and Psychology Syndrome. It was developed by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride, a neurologist and nutritionist who was also a mom. When her own child was diagnosed with autism, she refused to accept that there was nothing she could do. Instead, she turned to food and healing the gut.

What started as a personal journey became a worldwide method that has helped thousands of families.

The Core Idea: Heal the Gut, Help the Brain

GAPS is based on the idea that many learning, behavior, and health problems begin in the gut.

When the gut is damaged by antibiotics, sugar, processed foods, or toxins, it can become what’s known as “leaky.” This means the lining of the gut becomes too thin or inflamed, allowing harmful substances like bad bacteria, undigested food particles, and toxins to escape into the bloodstream.

At the same time, when gut bacteria are out of balance, the harmful microbes can begin to take over. These bad bacteria and yeasts produce toxins of their own. Instead of helping the body, they start to poison it from the inside.

Once these toxins enter the bloodstream, they travel throughout the body, including to the brain.

This can lead to:

• Brain fog or trouble focusing

• Hyperactivity or impulsive behavior

• Meltdowns or mood swings

• Sensory issues or extreme pickiness

• Difficulty with language, memory, or learning new things

It’s not that your child is being difficult or defiant. Their body is overloaded and inflamed, and their brain is feeling the effects.

Some children may even seem spaced out or disconnected, as if they’re not fully present. Others may have strong reactions to sounds, smells, or textures that never used to bother them. These are all clues that the gut-brain connection is out of balance.

The good news is that the body has an incredible capacity to heal when given the right support.

GAPS uses nutrient-rich foods, natural fats, fermented foods, and gentle detox strategies to rebuild the gut lining and restore balance.

How I Personalize the GAPS Approach

GAPS gives us a powerful foundation, but healing is never one-size-fits-all. That’s why I work closely with each family to adapt the GAPS framework into a plan that fits your child’s unique needs and your family’s rhythm.

I call this process Nourish-Nurture-Neutralize.

Nourish

We start by feeding the body what it truly needs. I guide you in using easy-to-digest, healing foods that support the gut, brain, and immune system.

Nurture

Next, we build habits and routines that support long-term healing. We focus on things like sleep, movement, connection, and emotional regulation in a way that’s realistic for your life.

Neutralize

We also take a closer look at what might be causing harm. That includes hidden food triggers, environmental toxins, or even daily stress. Then we gently reduce or remove what’s getting in the way of progress.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

GAPS can feel overwhelming at first. But you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

I’m here to walk you through it step by step, with compassion and real-life tools you can actually use.

Whether your child is facing autism spectrum symptoms, severe ADHD or anxiety, chronic illness, or just isn’t thriving, this approach may offer the answers you've been looking for.