I think I added this to the wrong threat about 20 times, I hope this is the right one.
I have a 26 month old daughter that just got referred as she's been showing autism signs (I was only able to identify them 3 days ago). There's been a lot of tears and panic on my side because I don't really understand what autism is, however I do know there's different "levels" on the spectrum. She seems normal but a bit delayed, so I've been asking myself if she'll ever be able to live a happy life independently. If she'll ever talk. If she'll ever go to a normal school and drive and make friends. I know autistic kids are normal but they're just different and that most go on to live normal happy lives, but I always think "what if she won't?". I know it's bad, I should be positive because I don't look at my child and see something wrong. My child is loving, she communicates her own way and she's making progress, she plays and loves being outside. Her nursery doesn't have any concerns either, it's just the eye tracking, tip toeing, finger flicking, hand flapping, doesn't point, doesn't talk, goes around in circles etc. Which might not be normal, but she also plays and draws, tried to copy everything, even started making friends at nursery m, she's a calm baby, she just seems different but never in a bad way.
How does everyone deal with these type of things? With fear, anxiety etc? I know she hasn't been diagnosed yet but by my health visitor's reaction I kind of understood that there's a real concern so now I'm in panic mode, cried like 6 times today 🤦🏻♀️. Help!!