I have taught loads of children who are on the autistic spectrum within mainstream primary schools. Some were much more challenging than others, it's true, but most who had good support from parents were absolutely fine. As everyone has said, don't panic. Also, I do think a lot of problems occur because of 'labelling' children, and at your little boy's early stage, don't be too quick to want some sort of hanger to hang him on - he could just be developing at a different rate to other children.

So try to be laid back (not easy I know!), accept all the help that's offered, give him lots and lots of reinforcement of his routines and make sure he's always aware of any changes that might happen to a regular routine.

Having said all this, in some local authorities you have to be incredibly persistent and a total nuisance to ensure your child gets the help he needs/deserves, so needle them constantly if you feel he needs support he's not getting.

Most children with ASD achieve just as well (and some even better in some subjects) than so-called 'normal' children.