...and we're possibly in denial! My boys were introduced to an Infant and Child Development specialist and Speech Pathologist well over a year ago. They are a little behind in some of their developmental areas and it was recommended we get them assessed. Just a couple weeks ago we received the diagnosis, and even then I was asking how accurate it is because the therapists see the boys a couple hours every so often and none of them are seeing them at home to get a full picture. The doctor tells us he's usually around 95% right, and while they are a mild case, he feels there is enough red flags to put them on the spectrum. But, what has me in denial is that a lot of the flags are also typical behaviour of every other 2-3 yr. old I've ever met! Child has a tantrum because he didn't get his way... he's 3! Child doesn't want to listen to directions because he's busy doing something more fun... he's 3! There are some flags that I do agree with like the spinning, being fixated on things falling through their hands (like sand, rice, water), etc. Right now I feel a little overwhelmed with all of the services and programs now available to us with an official diagnosis. I feel a little upset because the reports make the boys sound much worse than they actually are since it was based on what was seen that day and not so much what we see every day at home. I'm a little frustrated with some of the services provided because they have their plans for the boys, but they don't seem to be coordinating with the other service providers or the person I have designated as our coordinator! People keep reminding me that the label doesn't change who the boys are, they are still my sweet and very active little boys. I know it doesn't change them, nor does it change how I feel about them. What it does and has changed is how other people are responding to them! Now they're "special" and need extra help, and seemingly have a lot of issues excused because they're "Autistic". Now we're looking at doing numerous therapies and programs, which is fine for them but maybe not so much for us as parents. As one of my friends had told me when we were discussing all of this, when she first found out her son had autism and went through all of this, she ended up getting burnt out because she was saying yes to everything and was so focused on being the "therapist" she forgot how to be his mom. I'm starting to feel the same way and we haven't actually started to increase any of the work yet! I want to do what's best for my kids and make sure they get all the help they need, but, I also want them to enjoy being kids and have fun with us instead of worrying about which therapy we're trying next. And on top of it all, I have my own issues with anxiety and depression so it's been even more difficult to adjust to. I guess I just kinda feel lost right now...