The days that surround the initial autism diagnosis process can be difficult. Some days are easier than others though and eventually, yes, you will find the brighter side of the autism diagnosis. Just hang in there. You’ll get there soon enough.
How to Find the Brighter Side to the Autism Diagnosis
If you had said to me, when my daughter was diagnosed, to look for a brighter side? I would have laughed in your face. Or, I would have been inclined to punch you, depending on my mood at the time. How could I possibly consider a brighter side of the autism diagnosis? What was I supposed to be thankful for?
Honestly, at the time, I was hard pressed to find anything positive about this diagnosis.
But, looking back now, I can say that yes — there is a brighter side to the autism diagnosis. And it’s as simple as having a diagnosis. Maybe you won’t exactly feel like celebrating the diagnosis with a cake, having this diagnosis is huge.
Yes, your child has an autism diagnosis.
Yes, you may feel a bit of anger after this.
Yes, you may feel a bit of depression.
You may be like me and go through a bit of grief after the autism diagnosis.
You may also be like me and experience all of the things.
Those are all normal reactions and you are not wrong for feeling the way that you do. Don’t let someone else tell you how you should or shouldn’t feel after this diagnosis. It’s a personal thing and we all react to this differently.
After I went through all of the rough patches, the downsides, and the crying (oh so much crying), I went into research mode. I wanted to find out everything that I possibly could. I wanted to know how I could help my daughter. I wanted to know how I could help myself.
I wanted to know everything about this disorder.
And yes, I do mean everything.
I wanted to know about the good things and the bad things.
I wanted to hear the success stories and I wanted to know about the difficult struggles and hardships.
I wanted to know about it all.
What If I Can’t Find the Brighter Side to the Autism Diagnosis?
But what if you just can’t reconcile your emotions? What if you don’t see the brighter side?
What if there is no silver lining?
Trust me, I went through this as well. Not just after the initial diagnosis but then again after we were told that she would likely be non-verbal. And then again when she turned 13.. again when her sister was born and again as we started thinking about the future for her.
There are so many ups and downs during this autism journey.
It is so important to have a strong support network and people that you can lean on. A circle of support that will get you through the hard times and help you celebrate all of the small things.
Welcome to Voices of Special Needs Blog Hop — a monthly gathering of posts from special needs bloggers hosted by The Sensory Spectrum and Mommy Evolution. Click on the links below to read stories from other bloggers about having a special needs kiddo — from Sensory Processing Disorder to ADHD, from Autism to Dyslexia!
Kori
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What a journey we go through.
Thanks for being bravely honest — and offering this support.
<3
Full Spectrum Mama