ASD likely

[balloonsandmoreballoons]

Hi All,

First time posting here, my 3 year old DS has additional learning needs and is waiting on a paediatrician appointment, all the professionals who have seen him so far seem to believe it will be an ASD diagnosis, which is also what I think, lots of red flags and speech delay.

I absolutely love my little boy and wouldn't change him for the world, but at time things can be difficult, and I find it so difficult hearing about friends children doing so well at nursery, and all the days out they can go on and enjoy.

Does it get easier to not compare as they get older?

Thanks for reading.

Bump

My Ds is 12 now and has ASD. I remember the early years being very, very hard. My Ds didn't speak a word until he was 4. I couldn't take him to any toddler groups as he would just scream and cry hysterically. Even going to the supermarket could result in epic meltdowns with people staring and tutting.

I lost touch with all our NCT group as I just couldn't cope with seeing/hearing how their DC were progressing as it became more clear that there was 'something' different with my DS.

So yes, I totally get where you're coming from. All I can say is that with my Ds is that he did reach milestones such as learning to speak, read, write etc - it just took a lot longer. It was all the sweeter when he got there and I am so proud of him every day.

I know that even neurotypical parents struggle with 'comparisons' with their Dc. There's always going to be a Dc smarter/funnier/more talented than their own.

There were people I saw less of when we started to realise Ds had autism as they weren't really true friends. You will learn who is - and isn't worth - having in your life. True friends will celebrate your Ds as you do. I also have several friends who don't have children and to be honest, it's nice to spend time with them as I know kids won't be a big focus of the conversation.

It's great that you're on the pathway to an assessment while he's young as hopefully IF he does have ASD then things can be put in place in time for him starting school.