My DD (5) was recently diagnosed as autistic. She’s very bright, funny and desperately wants friends. She struggles with sensory sensitivities, gets overwhelmed by big emotions, can be quite rigid in play (finding turn-taking and compromise difficult), and generally fits what used to be described as the “active but odd” profile.
Even before the diagnosis we’d started making changes at home…being more aware of sensory needs, using visual supports and etc and we’ve already seen some really positive changes in how happy she seems.
I suppose where I’m struggling is looking ahead. Part of me thinks that if we’re proactive and learn as much as we can, getting the right support around friendships and social skills where needed, advocating for her, and helping her build confidence then she can absolutely grow up to have the happy, fulfilling life she wants.
Another part of me worries I’m being unrealistically optimistic, and that she’ll face significant difficulties regardless of what we do and I need to accept that.
So I’d really love to hear from parents of autistic girls diagnosed around this age (or autistic women themselves). How are things now? What helped most? What do you wish you’d done sooner, or not done at all? What actually made a difference, and what didn’t?
I’m not expecting a life without challenges and I know she’ll always be autistic and wouldn’t want to change her. But ideally I’d love her to accept and like herself, find her people and keep a close relationship with us throughout her life. And not have any really serious challenges like ED, big MH struggles etc. I just want to know what’s realistically possible, and where it’s worth putting our energy.
AIBU to be hopeful?