It hurts

[PoshCat]

I have a dd aged 4.5 with severely delayed/disordered speech and social communication problems. She is awaiting formal assessment for ASD following an in depth SALT assessment by a/specialist in social communication disorders.
I take huge joy and pride in any progress and my little girl makes and sometimes I even manage to convince myself she is just delayed and "normal".
Then I visit my niece and nephew aged 4.5 and almost 3 and realise how significant her problems are and my heart breaks.
How do I grow a pair of balls and deal with it without a lump in my throat?
BTW, I also have a 6 yr old who is being asked by peers why her sister talks like a baby and acts "crazy".
Any tips on what to say to her? She has an idea her little sister is/"different"
Thranks for any replies.

[PrinceRogersNelson]

mummytomog - like your DH my DH doesn't let it bother him. He does and always has accepted DD for who she is. Doesn't really have the what if's like I do.

I think we are a good balance to be honest. I do all the running around trying to find things that will help. Working out the best place for nursery, meeting with people etc. He makes me enjoy her for who she is. If we were both like me we would be stress heads. If we were both like him she wouldn't be getting as far as she is.

[PoshCat]

My husband also doesn't stress about our delayed little girl. He embraces her differences and pronounced quirkiness.
I try to be the same whilst focussing on getting her the most appropriate support for her needs.
I struggle. Big time.