I've been on a bit of a journey with my daughter who is now 4.
When she just turned 3 her school nursery expressed concerns about social communication, speech and language and development.
I was absolutely shocked as I'd only been aware and focused on her speech delay, nothing else even crossed my mind.
They arranged for assessments and observations and she was subsequently diagnosed with autism at 3 and a half.
It's been a hard year full of ups and downs and emotion but ultimately she's still the same person she always was.
We understand her needs much better and she has a huge amount of support available to her in school. They adapt the class routines and the lesson plan for her and wrap her in cotton wool when she needs it.
When she's having good days they leave her to run free and do whatever activities she wants around the classroom to help her feel comfortable and settled.
I would stay away from the internet/websites etc if it's bothering you and chat to real people with real experiences. I remember the early days of reading way too much and feeling like it was almost a death sentence, no quality of life, which is crazy because it absolutely isn't like that. And for most people it's just about finding their own way that's different to the majority.
A year ago my daughter was described as non verbal. She only had about 5-10 words and they weren't clear at all. There was no actual conversation or communication at all. Poor eye contact and refusal to respond to her name. Constant melt downs. Couldn't play near other children never mind with them. Rigid routines with no room for movement. It was hard going especially on my other child. I was told to research special schools as the gap was too huge and constantly widening between her and her peers.
A year down the line she has stayed in mainstream school and just started reception. She is talking properly, jumbled, but actually having conversations and her language has improved way beyond our expectations. She is playing with other children. Joining in lessons. Meltdowns are rare. Willingness to deviate from the routine. She's just doing amazing and it's all down to early intervention and working with her closely to find her way of getting there.
Don't get me wrong. There are still hard days and she is clearly affected by autism and struggles with many things, but we are also a million miles from where we were last year. I have every faith she will reach her full potential and go on to do amazing things.
If you are on social media Christine McGuinness is very positive and open about her children and their lives with autism. I find medical websites so cold and factual, but real people are the ones living it and know what you are going through.