The effects of gut microbiota on human health have been widely studied, showing its crucial role in brain development and behaviour. Research indicates that impaired gut health in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) increases cognitive and behavioural problems, making the gut–brain connection an important focus for interventions (Cryan et al., 2020; Liu et al., 2022). A survey we conducted with 350 participants revealed that 75% lacked knowledge about gut health and probiotic-based practices when working with individuals with autism, while 85% highlighted the need to better understand its link to behavioural and cognitive development. These findings underline the urgent necessity of addressing this gap. Gut health problems in autism arise from genetic factors, limited diets, antibiotic use, and chronic stress (Hsiao, 2014). These factors reduce microbial diversity, increase inflammation, and impair gut permeability, worsening neurological symptoms (Zhou et al., 2022). Such imbalances are associated with anxiety, irritability, and communication difficulties (Kelly et al., 2021; Vuong & Hsiao, 2017). Probiotics can help restore microbial balance, reduce gut permeability, and regulate inflammation while supporting neurotransmitter production, thus positively affecting cognition and behaviour (Sarkar et al., 2020; Dinan & Cryan, 2017). However, for these benefits to reach individuals with autism, youth workers need improved knowledge and skills. Currently, most youth workers lack sufficient understanding of the gut–brain connection and probiotic interventions (Clarke et al., 2019), which limits the support they can provide. This situation is worsened by difficulties individuals with autism face in accessing healthcare and the lack of public awareness (Hollingworth et al., 2023). This project aims to close this gap by training youth workers on the gut–brain connection and probiotic-based approaches, ultimately improving the wellbeing and quality of life of individuals with autism. General Objective: To improve gut health and enhance quality of life in individuals with autism by increasing youth workers' capacity to develop and implement probiotic-based interventions. Specific Objectives: 1. Increase Knowledge and Awareness: To increase youth workers' knowledge about the gut-brain connection and the effects of probiotics on individuals with autism. 2. Develop Accessible and Effective Interventions: To develop probiotic-based dietary recommendations and practical applications for gut health for individuals with autism. 3. Providing Education and Counselling Services: To train youth workers to provide nutritional guidance and diet planning services that support the gut health of individuals with autism. 4. Strengthening Social Support Mechanisms: To establish support networks that will reduce the social isolation of individuals with autism and assist families in implementing gut health-focused interventions. 5. Raising Public Awareness: Organising public campaigns to raise awareness about probiotics and gut health. -Importance in Terms of Youth Work - Knowledge and Skills Development: The project will increase youth workers' knowledge of autism and gut health, enabling them to develop innovative approaches in this field. - Innovative Practices: The workshops, seminars and practical training sessions used in the project will provide youth workers with an innovative perspective on their work with individuals with autism. - Effective Communication and Cooperation: It will provide youth workers with the necessary tools to communicate effectively with individuals with autism and their families. - Social Awareness: The project will raise awareness at a societal level to address the lack of knowledge about the gut health of individuals with autism and to develop their healthy living skills.