My son was diagnosed with ASD 3 hours ago.

[Rainys]

Hello. Basically that.
My son is 5 and was diagnosed with ASD today.
I hadn't realised a diagnosis is given there and then so I'm feeling shocked. I should have read up on what to expect.
I didn't see this coming.

How could I have got his behaviour and needs so wrong?
Not even sure why I am posting or what I am asking.
Thanks for reading. X

@Rainys

I think the whole process is totally overwhelming and if you're anything like me, you're going through such huge emotions at the moment. 💐
What did help (& I'm still very early into this journey) is learning that I'm not alone. There are other parents who have been through & are going through this too.

It helps to know that others 'just get you' if that makes sense.
Xx

I just want to get very drunk and forget it all but that doesn't seem like a long term solution....

I remember vividly feeling a complete panic the day we got DSs diagnosis, even though I totally expected it. All my hopes and dreams and aspirations for him vanished and I just saw this black hole, because I didn't know what to expect. I have a brilliant therapist who told me to stop future-projecting and just look at day to day life, and even though I still panic, I try to ground myself in the present because I waste so much energy worrying about things that in all likelihood will be fine.
DS was 6 when diagnosed, he's now 9 and doing so well, he's just been voted class counsellor by his peers at his mainstream school after giving a speech, something that I could have never imagined 3 years ago due to his anxiety and rigid behaviours. He's very challenging, but he's also wonderful, often in the same 10 minutes.
The ASD community online have really opened my eyes to how ridiculous some of our social norms are and why diversity is so important.
Having said that, it's totally ok to be sad and feel angry and scared. All your feelings are valid. You don't have to 'be brave'.

Rainys
We all get shocked when we get news we didn't expect. However, an ASD diagnosis will not end your world. Just understand that your little boy is the same little boy he was yesterday, and today you found out that he is even more special. Focus on his ability and do not dwell on any challenging behaviour or adverse effects that may emerge. Take each day as it comes and get help when necessary.