What does work and what doesn’t on the autism journey

When you receive an autism diagnosis for your child, the world seems to stop… and at the same time speed up. Suddenly, everything becomes advice, miracle therapies, expensive treatments, and promises of immediate changes.

I went through that whirlwind myself. I invested time, money, energy, and tears in paths that didn’t always bear fruit. I learned—sometimes in the hardest way—that not everything that shines is gold, and that not everything that works for others will work for your child.

In this article, I want to share with you—from my experience as a mom and educator—which myths we need to break and which strategies truly make a difference.

1. Myth: "Therapies are the only solution"

Don’t get me wrong: therapies are valuable and necessary. Alan has had wonderful therapists who have contributed to his development.

But I learned that therapy without a healthy body is like trying to turn on a lamp without electricity. You can repeat exercises over and over, but if your child has gut inflammation, nutritional deficiencies, or physical pain, their ability to pay attention and learn will be limited.

What does work: A comprehensive approach that includes gut health, restorative sleep, proper nutrition, emotional regulation, and from there, stimulation and therapy. When the body is balanced, therapy works twice as well.

2. Myth: "If it works for one child, it will work for all"

In groups and forums, it’s common to hear phrases like: "X treatment worked for my child, you should try it".

And although the intention is good, the truth is that every child is unique. What is a big breakthrough for one child may have no impact on another — or even cause setbacks.

What does work: Evaluating your child’s starting point and their specific needs before introducing changes. Observing and recording reactions, and adjusting according to their responses, not according to trends or outside pressure.

“3. Myth: "The faster I do everything, the better results I’ll get"

I fell into this mistake myself. I wanted to implement diet, supplements, therapies, and protocols all at the same time. The result: stress for me and overload for Alan.

The body and the brain need time to adapt. Sudden changes can create resistance, physical discomfort, and emotional setbacks.

What does work: Making gradual changes, prioritizing what’s most urgent. One well-taken and sustained step is more powerful than five rushed steps you can’t maintain.

4. Myth: "The diagnosis defines the future"

Receiving the label ‘severe autism, level 3’ was devastating. I thought it was an unchangeable sentence.

But I learned that the diagnosis is a snapshot of that moment, not an eternal prediction. Yes, there are real challenges, but there is also brain plasticity, the ability to learn, and the possibility of improving quality of life.

What does work: Believing in your child’s potential and working every day to open opportunities for them. Progress may be slow, but every step counts.

5. Myth: "If it’s more expensive, it works better"

One of the hardest blows was investing thousands of dollars in a therapy in Miami (MERT), with the hope that it would be ‘the big solution.’ The result was minimal because we hadn’t addressed the most basic issue: gut inflammation.

The value of a treatment is not in its price, but in whether it is the right one for your child at that moment.

What does work: Investing first in the essentials: nutrition, sleep, inflammation control, emotional connection. From that foundation, choose therapies and resources according to your real priorities.

6. Myth: "You have to do it alone to prove you’re strong"

The loneliness I lived through in my first years as Alan’s mom was one of the deepest pains I’ve ever felt. I believed that asking for help meant showing weakness

Over time, I understood that asking for and accepting help is an act of self-love and wisdom.

What does work: Building a support network: family, professionals, and a community of moms who understand your journey. Sharing the load doesn’t make you less capable — it makes you stronger.”

7. Myth: "You can’t challenge what doctors say"

Doctors are a key part of the process, but they don’t hold the absolute truth. Many are limited to standard protocols and do not always include options like functional nutrition, supplementation, or alternative therapies.

What does work: Being an informed mom who listens to specialists but also researches, asks questions, and observes. Your intuition and your daily closeness with your child are valuable tools for making decisions.

8. Myth: "If you don’t see quick changes, it’s not working"

We live in a culture of immediate results. But autism is a journey of consistency.
Sometimes progress is so small that you only notice it when you look back after months.

What does work: Celebrating the small victories: a sustained look, a new word, a better night of sleep. These achievements are signs that the work is paying off.

Final Reflection

Breaking myths doesn’t mean you stop listening — it means you learn to filter. On this journey, the most important thing is to listen to your child, trust your intuition, and prioritize what brings them health and well-being from the inside out.

If today you feel overwhelmed by the amount of information, I want you to take a deep breath and remember:

• You don’t have to do everything at once.

• You don’t have to compare yourself to other moms.

• You don’t have to follow what everyone says — only what truly supports your child.

In our community, we work to give you clear, practical information without pressure. Here, there are no magic formulas — but there are real tools, sincere support, and the certainty that you are not alone.