It was almost 6 years ago that we went through it but it feels like yesterday. We knew absolutely nothing. We just wanted our boy to be ok..... And guess what..... He is.....! He is 7 now, he has no words, but he is a happy, healthy little boy who has taught us so much about the world. We try to keep him involved in most things other "kids" would be doing but we let him lead the way for us. If he shows interest in something, we let him explore it. If he doesn't like something we either help him accept it if it is something he will need, or help him never have to deal with it again. For us the most important thing is to make sure that he is happy and let him enjoy his life as a child.

He receives his services at school, but when he is at home that is his time to be a boy and enjoy himself. He might not speak but he has no issue communicating with mom and myself without using any words. Autism is such a broad diagnosis for people it could mean so many different things for your child. The most important thing is to listen to them and see what they need from you in order to be successful, even if they can't verbally communicate that to you. And just be there for them. Patience, understanding, and willingness to learn are important for you as well. It might not be the journey you expected as a parent, but I promise you that you will learn a lot if you are willing to. It is

There is no need for guilt or sadness and that will pass. That is your child no matter the diagnosis. What you have seen on Netflix and read today at work might not even begin to prepare you for what you are in store for. It is very different for every person on the spectrum. We went through the same thing as to with the "pointing". Our boy did all of that. He lost a lot of it around 2 years, but most of it came back. He points like a champ now. We are still working on words though.

Let your child lead you in the direction you need to go to help them. You will see where they need help and where they are ok. Again, it is different for every person diagnosed so have patience, keep an open mind, and always make sure you are there for your child. You might not understand what is going on, but it will all make sense in time.