New diagnosis of ASD DS age 3

[silverfoxx]

We were told last week my DS 3.0 is likely to be on the autistic spectrum.
The diagnosis itself didn't shock me as I had expected it for some time. What has shocked me, however, is peoples reaction to it.
I had expected maybe a few 'gosh that's awful' comments, or 'that must be really hard for you all', instead finding friends and family questioning the diagnosis, then finding something positive to say.
At the moment I'm struggling to find anything positive to say about how hard life is. I also have a NT DD (7) so know looking after a 3 year old isn't always this difficult.

Can I ask how others found people reacted to an ASD or similar diagnosis? Has anyone else had a similar experience, it would really help me to hear your stories.
Please tell me it gets easier...

P.S. Have lurked on MN for a long time whilst waiting for a diagnosis, and found it a huge source of comfort and support

I think your experience is very common tbh, people have a narrow idea of whT ASAD is and when a child doesn't fit that (ds3 doesn't) tend towards disbeleif- it's easier than opening your mind I guess.

I think with those closest theya re also in the same acceptance process as we are and will need time to adjust; whilst we feel that our parents, siblings etc should be swaddling us, in fact theya re dealing with similar empotions. Others think we need to ehar positives and some people do want that- not me, I prefer realities, reality is useful and platitudes not so.

Getting a DX is akin to the bereavement process in both nature and duration, so try just to dfeal with things as they come up and be very gentle on yourself and those close for a while. IN a year or so youc an say 'I didn;t feel very supported by...' (or as in our case even ditch the poisonous relation), but right now just tread watewr and be self caring.

Hi, I'm a few weeks into this now! Reactions have been mainly "oh but my DS does that" or "but that's perfectly normal, surely" or "I thought he was just slow?"

So all fun so far.

I think it will get easier as people get used to it.

Thank you for your replies, I find it somehow reassuring that others have been through similar (though wouldn't wish this on anyone).

"oh but my DS does that"

LOL. Heard that one.

SanctiMoany, I agree that the reaction of those closest may be part of them also coming to terms with this. I'll try to bear this in mind.