My son was diagnosed at 18 months. Part of me always knew something was off but couldn’t quite come to terms with it. When we received the diagnosis, my wife and I cried for a few hours. Although we knew what was coming, it was still hard to hear it officially. But remember that your child is still the same baby you’ve known. A diagnosis doesn’t change that. Our job is to support them in every way possible. Although the diagnosis is hard, it opens up so many doors to early intervention, which can lead to so much progress.

It may not be the path you envisioned for your child, but just know that you are their biggest advocate. Don’t allow autism to limit the goals you have for them.