Need some words of wisdom.

I have two children with autism and I wouldn’t have them any other way. They are wonderful, have full joy for life, and my every day with them is a blessing. Even their little quirks and habits I love. Their stims, the songs they repeat over and over..the way they express themselves. It’s just a different kind of mind. I don’t worry so much about the diagnosis but on where the actual disability lies. With speech, we did some therapy and researched and did most of the teaching at home. If it’s physical therapy, you work with them just like any other kid who may not have any diagnosis but has a growing need. Also autism comes in a wide variety and is highly genetic. If no one in your family has it, it’s less likely. Unlike mine where it is in my brother, my dad, my cousin, myself… and on my husbands side theres a few. The severity ranges and they are all unique. But it doesn’t mean they will struggle their whole life. My dad worked with nuclear stuff, my brother is in university

With a beautiful girlfriend. I’m a nurse with a full family. There is so much support out there now a days…. So I would stop worrying and just focus on loving this child in front of you no matter what happens. You will be able to tackle the problems as they come.

@Janis I really appreciate you taking the time to respond. My main concern is I am in my mid 30s and I always worry who would take care of my girl when I’m gone. That is amazing that you and your family are thriving. Again thank you for sharing your story and bringing light that a diagnosis is not the end of the world 🫶🏼

Again, not every autism diagnosis means that your child will not be able to fend for themselves. Even people who have Down syndrome have shown the capability to become self sufficient. Raise them with the belief that they have the capability to do it. My daughter didn’t speak much until 3 but I taught her reading anyway, and one day she just started repeating things that she had been taught but never verbalized to me. Of course the more severe forms of autism could lead to that concern of who is going to take care of them when I pass… and it may not be ideal but in some cases I’ve seen people go to adult family homes and are fully supported by the government with a caretaker. And honestly for the most part the adults who I see come into the hospital in these cases are actually pretty well taken care of. There will always be cases of abuse or neglect out there but that is true for anyone. But the vast majority I’ve seen have been cared for and their caregiver grow a close bond to them

Beautiful answer Janis...I agree with all of it. I would also add that 9 months is still really early. Our youngest son didn't talk until he was 2.5 years old and now at 5, he Never. Stops. Talking.

Early intervention and evaluation is great, but make sure you're also giving your child time to grow at their own pace. And definitely don't stress, because people with autism are truly some of the coolest people I know.

It's so hard at their age because actually what you describe can also be just be completely normal. It's this I reckon that makes the anxiety worse because I was the same when my little boy was the same age. As someone else said, autism isn't and doesn't have to be a life sentence. If it helps, one of my best friends is autistic. He owns his own house, and goes about life as normal. He is always late to stuff, is very particular about stuff and gets a bit lost in conversations but otherwise lives a totally normal life! Xx

Hi! I had the same worry with responding to his name. But i realized it’s because i’m being annoying and constantly calling his name without giving him anything exciting. Also same with babbling. My son was behind on physical milestones so when he was catching up, he stopped making so much noise. Now he is all caught up and started being so talkative. He is almost 11 months.