Is it me, or are the older generation generally dismissive/sceptical of learning disabilities?

[Shells]

I've just been pondering this one as I seem to have a larger percentage than normal of older people (by which I guess I mean 60+) who fob me off with 'oh he'll catch up/he'll get there' about DS.

DS has a significant specific language disorder, and frankly may never catch up or 'get better'.

Obviously I know they are trying to be kind/well meaning. But I was wondering if this kind of thing contributed to the lack of diagnosis of ASDs etc. on the past. A kind of lets sweep it under the carpet and hope it goes away thing.

Anyone else had this?

I was explaining to DD's swimming instructor that she has problems paying attention, my Mother pipes up "She's a bit slow" No she isn't, she has a learning disability!! Suspected ASD, but awaiting formal diagnosis.

My MIL spent the 1st year of dd's life saying how 'forward' she was and comparing her to cousin the same age (my dd was so much brighter and 'with it') My dd was diagnosed with chromo disorder at 5 weeks of age.

Now she just says the stuff about doing it in her own time. (Still not got passed sitting and isn't babbling at all at 3 1/2)She did however say that she found dd's wheelchair really upsetting - broke her heart apparantly

I either get raised eyebrows if I mention the dreaded 'A' word (autism) or asked when ds will grow out of it.

Until we get a diagnosis, I haven't mentioned that the Ed Psych suspects autism, I need to know more about it before I tell my Mother, so that I can answer her questions and it is early days yet, diagnosis wise.