Published on 12, July, 2020
Hello, I'm new to the forum...I've just got nowhere else to turn. My 9-year-old daughter was diagnosed on Tuesday by CAMHS. To say that I am devastated is an understatement. I feel embarrassed. I have tried over the years to encourage her to go to parties and be social, to take pride in her appearance and play nicely, but she crumbles in social situations, which has been very difficult for us as a family. I do not want her to be an autistic person. I just want my daughter to be like other children...the thought that she is different makes me shudder.
I'm sorry; I was planning to say far more but I just can't.
When you plan a baby this isn't what you expect, is it?
CantBelieveIAmHere - can I ask more details? Is your daughter high functioning ASD? What has devestated you so much? What did you plan for when you had a baby? What level of pride in her appearance do you want?
Your child is healthy. The diagnosis has explained your child but not changed her. She can now get appropriate help and support, for example, that can teach her how to interact with other people.
I wouldn't go as far as saying autism is a gift but it's definately not a disease. The brain is wired differently and different IS and can be a good thing - you haven't got "normal" but you never had normal and haven't lost that.