I am typing this post in hopes that it helps another family who may be looking for different options—or maybe even validates something you’re already doing for your child. As always, every child is different, and what works for us may not work for your family. But I hope sharing our experience gives you another option to consider.

Here are a few things that have helped us on our journey so far.

📱 An old phone

My son isn’t a big tablet person at home. At ABA, they give him some access to one, but I realized he actually prefers a phone because his little fingers can manipulate it more easily. Dare I say…it gives him something he can control.

And we allow it.

Why? Because that’s how he’s learned to say words and, at times, how his gestalt language processing mind communicates. It has truly contributed to his progress.

So…if technology helps your child, why not give them access to it?

💜 Magnesium supplements

We recently started using MaryRuth’s Calm Gummies (hibiscus flavored). My son takes two gummies before bed. I love that they’re sugar-free, vegan, and help him fall asleep and stay asleep. Even better—he enjoys taking them.

🐟 Omega-3 supplement

My son’s neurologist recommended around 850 mg of Omega-3 daily, and luckily we found one that works well for him: Nordic Naturals Children’s Xtra DHA.

We give him 1 mL every morning with his banana milkshake so he can wash away the taste. I’m very sensitive to the smell of fish, so I definitely notice it, but my son doesn’t mind it at all. I think having his milkshake afterward really helps.

Since starting it, we’ve noticed progress in his speech and with some tasks that were previously difficult for him. (If your child doesn’t tolerate the oil, they also make gummies.)

Hopefully, this gives another family a few options to explore.

Just a quick disclaimer: This isn’t medical advice, especially regarding the supplements. We chose these after talking with my son’s doctors and following their recommendations. Always check with your child’s healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

As for the phone…that’s just our experience.

If technology is helping your child learn, communicate, or regulate—even when other people keep pushing against it—do what’s best for your child.

It may be controversial, but oh well.

One thing I’ve learned as the mom of a child with special needs is that I’ve started caring less and less about opinions from people who don’t truly know my child or understand his needs.

…But that’s a post for another day.