Getting through a diagnosis (might need a slap)

[FullOfRage]

Name change due to hacks (cutted up pear, naice ham etc)

Basically we reckon my 4 year old DD will be diagnosed Aspergers/Autistic at some point soon. She has a speech delay and the people involved are calling it a social communication disorder until the 'final diagnosis'. She is currently in a special needs class that is attached to a mainstream school.

My question is, how do people get through this? Sadly I have never had any experience with additional/special needs and neither has my family or close friends, I just feel totally lost and extremely guilty plus most of my RL family aren't much support as they don't believe there is a problem. I'm worried about her growing up, making friends, people perhaps bullying or pitying her and it's terrifying me.

Perhaps a good grip here is what's needed

You don't need a slap or a grip, it's an awful process to go through, so have instead.

Posting here helps as you are amongst parents who have been through the same thing (or are going to go through it!).

I try not to think about the future too much, although it's difficult not to sometimes!

Thank you LeChein sometimes I feel so awful worrying and being angry at this when there is so much worse in the world.

It really amazes me how people seem to stay so strong through all.

Yes I know, some people seem to deal with it so well.
I always wonder if it's a good act.
I think developing thick skin helps, but I'm still working on that!

Keep coming on here, it is the best place for support.

You will get throught this, just be kind to yourself and remember your little one is still your little one with or without a diagnosis.

Where you are is a tough stage. Uncertainty is bad and I found that one of the hardest times. I went through some grief and sorrow after DS was diagnosed too, though at the same time it was kind-of a relief and it was very good to see him getting the right help. The grief got better in time, with ups and downs. I fell apart, scraped myself together, fell apart… any number of times. I acted as strong as I could for my DS’s sake but that doesn’t mean I felt strong inside. Don’t forget to look after yourself too.

Thanks for your replies everyone. It's comforting to know I'm not the only one that feels this way. In a way it will be a relief to finally know there is something there but I'm terrified it will be the start of a long hard lonely road.