I Am His Voice…He Is My Peace

Hey yall hey!

Today, I’m taking a straight dive into a topic that many in the autism community explore: the role of natural supplements in supporting well-being and assisting with some of the common challenges that can accompany autism.

It’s important to remember that autism is a part of who someone is. We can’t drum up a  “cure” and expect it to dissappear. Instead, I have tirelessly been researching ways to support my baby’s overall health, improve quality of life, and address specific behavioral concerns. With trial and error, there are three natural options that have really made quite the difference in my son’s life. Let’s get into it!

Magnesium: Aiding Restful Sleep

If you have an autism baby, then the likelihood of you resting normally is completely out the window. If there is one thing I can say I dearly miss, it’s sleep. Hands down.
Sleep can be a significant challenge for many autistic individuals. Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restless nights can impact overall functioning and daily life. There are a couple theories as to why this is so. On the one hand, individuals that have this disorder apparently lack a substantial amount of melatonin (naturally produced by the body) which aids in a normal circadian rhythm. With a decrease in melatonin levels, there is no signal for the body to remain rested. It is also suggested that perhaps the body lacks normal magnesium levels as well…which promotes relaxation. So what to do?

Magnesium supplements: Magnesium contributes to the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for calming the body. It can help regulate melatonin, the hormone that guides our sleep-wake cycles, and may help reduce muscle tension and restlessness. Some preliminary studies and anecdotal reports suggest magnesium supplementation may improve sleep quality in individuals (Journal of Autism, 2025). Magnesium has drastically improved my son’s sleep quality. Now…it’s not a miracle supplement so it’s not perfect and I would definitely advise reaching out to a healthcare provider prior to trying it out. I highly recommend it though. My son loves his gummies 🙂

Zeolite: Zeolite is a natural mineral often promoted for its purported ability to bind and remove toxins from the body, including heavy metals. This has led to its discussion within some segments of the autism community, often under the umbrella of “detoxification.” Important Considerations and Cautions: While the idea of removing toxins can sound appealing, it’s crucial to approach claims about zeolite, especially concerning autism, with significant caution. Leading medical organizations and scientific experts, including the Autism Science Foundation, have issued strong warnings against “autism detox treatments” involving zeolite. They emphasize that there is no scientific evidence that autistic individuals have a higher load of heavy metals, nor is there credible research supporting zeolite’s efficacy or safety for autism. BUT for me? This works. My baby is finally consistently saying words…I was almost in disbelief. It only took a week of consistent use. Again, always discuss with a healthcare provider before leaping into any kind of supplement.

Brainy Broc (Sulforaphane): Supporting Cellular Pathways
Brainy Broc is a supplement derived from broccoli, designed to deliver sulforaphane, a compound found in cruciferous vegetables. Sulforaphane is known for its ability to activate the Nrf2 pathway, a cellular defense mechanism that helps the body combat oxidative stress and inflammation. Research into sulforaphane’s potential benefits for individuals with autism has been particularly promising. Studies, including some from institutions like Johns Hopkins University, have indicated that sulforaphane may lead to improvements in areas such as social interaction, verbal communication, and repetitive behaviors in some autistic individuals. These effects are thought to be related to sulforaphane’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and its role in supporting cellular detoxification processes. Several studies have explored sulforaphane’s impact, with some showing significant improvements in various behavioral measures. It’s an area of ongoing research, and many in the community are interested in its potential.

Together, the combination of these medications, daily and consistently, have done wonders for my son. He is more focused, social, and is producing more of a vocabulary. He  has also been exhibiting a decrease in negative behaviors. Now again… he’s not perfect and these options are not cures. I just know that for my child…these work. If they work for me, then hopefully they can work for someone else. Of course, his father and I do not rely on supplements alone. You still have to put in the work to establish routine and encourage positive behaviors. My son is still utilizing behavioral, occupational, and speech therapies.