I’ve posted here before but I guess I’m just looking for further reassurance (although still realistic).
I have two older DC 9 and 10 with no ND but my third is looking very likely ASD. He’s a lovely little happy boy but I just can’t keep thinking how different our life might have been if we’d stopped at two DC, especially as the older two are a lot easier now (probabaly in that sweet spot pre teen!) in all family situations I keep thinking about how it would be easier now. It’s like an obsession comparing our lives to what could have been.
I know that sounds awful and I don’t regret having a third (he was very much planned).
I guess our lives are just looking different to what we expected. I also feel concerned it could or already is effecting our other DC.
His biggest most noticeable problem is delayed speech. He finds ways to communicate but speaks in phrases (Gestalt language professor). He’s got many of them and some are very clear but he engages in zero conversation, although he’ll day related phrases to some of what we say. He struggles with instructions unless they’re routine. He starts school in sept 2027 which I’m petrified about. I know a lot could change in a year but possibly not enough for mainstream. He’s having private speech therapy which I believe is helping. He shows no signs of potty training at all. HV said at 3 he was globally delayed.
If anyone else has been in this situation can you help me see what the future could be like? I know of course all journeys are different.
Also aware I sound a bit desperate!