totally out of my depth

thank you so much for your posts. i aam feeling much more empowered now to move on and celebrate my little man. 

Autism is a neurological difference, unless your child is at the very severe end (and even then don't take it as read that they cannot achieve well) you need to see the condition for what it is, rather than seeing it as a death sentence.  If you feel emotionally distraught you could seek counselling for the shock and coming to terms with how you feel.

Hi, it can certainly come as as a shock.  There a lots of letters on this site from parents who have rec'd a diagnosis of autism for their child, so have a look. Most parents need a period of adjustment to changed circumstances.  Learning about the condition + how it affects your child as an individual will empower you.  A number of parents feel out of their depth when given a diagnosis, but knowledge is power so check out this site.  Your child is the same child he always was, he hasn't changed.  That's v important to remember.  You are in a great position with the diagnosis to understand him better + be a great help to him.  You can't go back, so go forward, armed with your understanding of him + autism.