I know its crappy news, but there is a plus side.

A friend of mine finally got a diagnosis of ASD for her son after several years of delayed development and missed signs (we could all see it - but could the health visitor?!). Once she managed to get a 'statement' for him he and the family as a whole have been able to access some of the most amazing help you can imagine and he has gone from being a very lonely and frustrated little boy with no ability to communicate to a lovely young chap who is helped to make the very best of his considerable talents. In fact within a month of starting at a special needs nursery he began speaking for the first time - it all came out in fully formed, perfect sentences - he'd clearly been taking everything in and just needed help to unlock something which blocked him from speaking.

He will always have difficulty 'fitting in' but the people now involved with his care are helping to ensure that he makes the most of the opportunities he has.

Please think about making contact with the people who can help you with the minefield ahead - my friend says that she has had more help from parents in similar situations than from the professionals in terms of finding out what services are available.

Hope that helps...
Hugs to you all