If you’re walking this autism journey like we are, you know it’s not about finding a magic cure — it’s about finding tools that make the hard days easier and help the good days shine even brighter.

Today we’re sharing six things that have truly made a difference for us. These are not theories — they are products, habits, and practices we use every single day and have for years. And while meltdowns still happen (because that’s real life with autism), they’re a thousand times more manageable now. They don’t stand in the way of us thriving anymore.

Here’s what’s made the biggest difference:

1️⃣ Better Sleep

Sleep might sound obvious, but it’s not always easy to achieve — especially for autistic individuals.
What helped us? Creating a whole sensory-friendly sleep routine. We love the NodPod weighted eye mask to provide gentle, calming pressure, adding calming mineral soaks to baths before bed, and using bedtime sleep sounds every night to cue relaxation.
👉 (Check out our shop for our favorites or click here!)

2️⃣ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Weekly CBT sessions have been a true game changer. Avery has learned how to better recognize triggers, manage reactions, and even advocate for what she needs — skills that have boosted her confidence and independence in huge ways. It’s a work-in-progress, but it’s powerful progress!

3️⃣ Gut Health

We didn’t realize how much gut health impacts mood, behavior, and overall wellness until we lived it.
Daily prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes have made a noticeable difference in Avery’s focus, mood, and overall regulation. We trust Aspire Nutrition’s products because they are clean and specifically formulated with neurodivergent needs in mind.

🎉 Bonus! You can now use code AVERY at checkout for 10% off your first order, click here for Aspire Nutrition.

4️⃣ Mood Support Supplements

Anxiety and mood swings used to feel like insurmountable hurdles some days. While nothing replaces therapy and a supportive environment, adding magnesium and vitamin B6 supplements has been a big help for managing the roller coaster. It’s not a quick fix — it’s a long-term support strategy that’s worked for us.  You can get on Amazon, click here.

5️⃣ Daily Walks Outside

Even a quick 20-minute walk after dinner works wonders.
No screens, just moving our bodies, breathing fresh air, feeling the sun or breeze — it resets the nervous system in a way that nothing else really can. And it’s free! Movement has become one of our most reliable tools for calming, connecting, and finding joy.

6️⃣ More Whole Foods

We’re not perfect (who is?), but we’ve seen a huge difference when we focus on eating fewer processed foods and more real, whole foods.
Morning smoothies packed with fruits, veggies, and healthy add-ins have been an easy win for us. Even small changes — like swapping one snack or adding in one extra veggie — have made a visible impact on Avery’s mood, energy, and overall wellness.

The Bottom Line:
These changes didn’t happen overnight. And they aren’t about being “perfect.”
They’re about building habits and adding supports that help us go from just surviving each day… to truly thriving.

Every family’s journey is different — but if you’re looking for a place to start, maybe something here can help you too. 💛