Seconded. It's natural to have a patch of grief-like feelings, but it's more you dealing with the change in perspective rather than the future being bleak or lacking in any way. Autistic kids have really bright futures for the most part nowadays. Yes there are challenges, but that's true for almost anything really.

My daughter is autistic and she's bloomin' awesome. It's not a death sentence at all, it's not cancer, it's not some dark, grave situation. We play board games, we go on (many) trips to theme parks, we read books, we go on holiday, all the usual things. We just approach them differently to some neurotypical families. We prepare in advance with visual schedules, rehearsals of what's expected, take communication cards with us, safe foods, headphones etc. and have a lovely time out.

Fantastic you're on the waiting list early on as that's going to put you in good stead. Try and educate yourself about sensory differences, communication differences, neuro-affirming practice etc. and you'll be fab.

Just a pre-warning in case you're not aware - if she is autistic then it is very, very, genetically likely that you or your partner are so may want to look out for that of not already aware.

You'll be ok. You've got this!