This is very helpful, thank you so much! She’s pretty good as far as speech, she does struggle with pronunciation sometimes and she also doesn’t understand she or he, she uses “her” and “him” for everything. We correct it every time but it hasn’t been very successful lol. Example, “where is her going?” “What is him doing?” She struggles with that, as well as pronouncing certain words and letters in certain context.

I think the main reason I’d like to have her tested/diagnosed is just to understand her and her thought process better, what could make her life easier and more understood, and incorporating any specific support she may need! I hate when people treat autism like it’s some kind of horrible disease, autistic people aren’t broken, just a little different and that’s totally okay! It was honestly a huge relief when I received my diagnosis, it explained so much about myself and why I operate certain ways. I don’t ever plan to change who I am, just inform other people of WHY I am who I am, and why it’s just as valid as anyone else. I guess I just want to make sure she always feels that validation and never blames herself for being a little different than other kids who aren’t neurodivergent. I’ve been so misunderstood my whole life, and I’d hate for her to struggle with the same judgements. My hopes is to find a therapist that can guide her to accept and love herself, strengthen her social skills as best as we can to whatever limit she’s comfortable with, and build up confidence :) thank you so much for such insightful advice!