The Year Everything Was Changing: Autism, Covid, and Unexpected Healing

The Year Everything Was Changing: Autism, Covid, and Unexpected Healing

After Nolan’s autism diagnosis, I did what a lot of moms do—I spiraled. I cried, I blamed myself, and I mentally rewrote every moment of his early childhood trying to figure out what I did “wrong.” Spoiler alert: that kind of guilt spiral is a total waste of energy. If you’re in it right now, please hear me—stop blaming yourself. Autism is complex. It’s influenced by genetics, environmental toxins, and factors we simply can’t control. So instead of beating yourself up, channel that mama bear energy into helping your child. That’s where the magic happens.

If you’re still in the thick of those early emotions, you might want to start with The Truth About Early Autism Signs: A Mother’s Story of Realization and Hope and Before the Diagnosis: The Fight That Changed Our Future. They’re raw, real, and might help you feel a little less alone.

Diagnosis, Emotions, and the First Glimmers of Hope

While I was drowning in all the feelings, I also felt a strange sense of relief. Nolan was finally going to get help—speech therapy, occupational therapy, and a spot in a developmental preschool. Speech therapy started quickly and helped a bit. Progress was slow but steady. Occupational therapy? Not so much. Nolan flat-out refused to participate. And honestly, I didn’t push it. I didn’t want him to associate writing with misery. We quit after a few months, and guess what? He learned to write just fine—on his own timeline.

Then Came Covid (Because of Course It Did)

Just as Nolan was set to start preschool in March, we got the email with his start date—and then, boom. Covid hit. Schools shut down. Services vanished. And I was back to square one, trying to figure out how to support my autistic child at home with zero professional help.

Homeopathy, Bioscans, and a $50 Gamble That Paid Off

Desperate for answers, I stumbled across a Facebook group where someone mentioned Bioscans and homeopathy for autism. It cost $50. I figured, why not? The scan revealed Nolan had likely had a minor concussion (he was always bonking his head), among other things I can’t remember because #mombrain. But here’s the wild part: the homeopathic remedy she gave us worked almost immediately.

Before the remedy, Nolan couldn’t say “yes.” He’d respond with “no” or scripted phrases that meant yes, but the word itself? Off-limits. The day after the remedy—he said yes. Just like that. He also stopped stripping his clothes off constantly. Coincidence? Maybe. But I’m not arguing with results.

Curious about Bioscans? Check it out here (not sponsored, just my honest experience).

Omega Gummies, Magnesium, and the Sleep Breakthrough

Another Facebook tip: Omega gummies for autism. I gave them to Nolan daily. He thought they were candy, and I saw improvements—though I can’t pinpoint exactly what. Brain health is brain health, right?

We also added magnesium, which helped with sleep (hallelujah). Sleep was a huge issue for Nolan, and when he was tired, his behaviors were next-level challenging. So magnesium became part of our nightly routine—via bath salts and a drink mix.

Bath magnesium: link
Drinkable magnesium: link
Omega gummies: link

If you’re curious about other ways to support your child’s body from the inside out, check out Want to Help Your Child Feel Better? Start with What Goes In and On Their Body.

Back to Washington: A Hard Move with a Silver Lining

Covid forced us to move back to Washington State. It was tough on Nolan, but being near family helped. And—miracle of miracles—I got him into an ABA preschool program despite the restrictions. Now, I know ABA is controversial. Some programs are downright traumatic. But I found a good one, and that made all the difference.

Rehab Without Walls: The Program That Changed Everything

Rehab Without Walls was a game-changer. They helped Nolan get fully potty trained, reduced his behavioral issues, and gave me tools to support him long after the program ended. When we started, Nolan was saying “no” hundreds of times an hour during non-preferred tasks. By the end of six months, that number had dropped dramatically.

Preschool Wins and Social Breakthroughs

After the program, Covid restrictions eased, and Nolan started attending the local school district preschool twice a week. I also enrolled him in a traditional preschool a couple days a week. And guess what? No behavioral issues. None. He started seeking out other kids to play with. My once-isolated little guy was finally social. Cue the happy tears.
If you’re navigating sensory challenges, you might love The Sensory Breakthrough That Changed Our Days—After Years of Struggle or That Toy Isn’t a Distraction. It’s a Sensory Survival Tool.

What Helped Nolan Most During That Year:

• Saying “yes” after a homeopathic remedy (via Bioscan)
• Omega gummies for brain support
• Magnesium for sleep and behavior regulation
• ABA preschool (with a vetted, compassionate team)
• Dual preschool enrollment for social growth
• Letting go of guilt and trusting his timeline

A Quote to Hold Onto

“Healing doesn’t always look like progress. Sometimes it looks like trying again tomorrow.”

From One Autism Mama to Another

If you’re reading this with tears in your eyes and a lump in your throat, just know—you’re not alone. I’ve been there. And there is a way forward.

Have you tried any alternative therapies for your autistic child? I’d love to hear what worked (or didn’t!) for you—drop a comment or message me on Instagram @prairieemberadventures.

In the next post, I’ll share our next chapter—moving back to Texas and diving into genetic testing (which opened up a whole new world of understanding).

Until then, mama bear—keep going. You’re doing better than you think.