to be confused about friend's reaction to autism diagnosis

[ToeKneeChestNut]

NC, as this may be outing.

Friend visited today, who I haven't seen for a few years. Her DD (age 9) has recently been diagnosed with ADD, although they just refer to her as autistic. The younger DC is NT.

The visit was all about how exciting it is to have her DD diagnosed as having ADD and what a wonderful thing it is. She says that her DD will be very creative, will be a huge success in life and will make "a fortune", whereas children who are "unlucky enough to not be on the spectrum" will reach mediocrity. She said that the fact that her DD really struggles to keep up at school is "fantastic".

Her DD went through four or five pairs of knickers during the visit, as she is too distracted to remember to go to the loo. Again, this was described as part of the "adventure". I really am quoting here.

Of course I just went along with it, but the whole thing seemed excessive and even a bit manic. I'm very pleased that they have a diagnosis and I hope it help a lot. But I don't understand the feel of celebration that's come with it. I also resented the digs at academically-minded DC, but can let this go as I think my friend didn't mean to be insensitive.

So, AIBU to be confused? Or is this genuinely a wonderful thing and I don't appreciate the implications of having ADD?

Autism and ADD are not the same and I think there is a question her of 'labelling' a child and whether that is entirely correct.

What do you mean?

My dd getting her diagnosis was one of the happiest days of my life. She is probably just contented and relieved. I was crying and jumping up and down and messaging all my friends. She is just excited because it just happened.

I will explain my above post. With diagnosis you get help, understanding, support. You feel relieved. You know you are not going mad etc. It felt like a massive weight was lifted immediately. I said thank you about 10 times and kept saying eek I'm so excited in Mcdonalds.