It will be six years next month that my son was diagnosed with #Autism. At that time, my knowledge of Autism was minimal and was based on fear. I can't go back in time and adjust my mentality, but maybe these words of "wisdom" will help a family currently in that situation.
Your child is the exact same as they were pre-diagnosis. The only thing that has shifted is *your* expectations. We're all selfish as parents, and we visualize what we deem is a "perfect" life for our kids. But it is their life, not ours'. We're just here to be their guides.
Parenting is hard. When you are raising a child that has a different neurological make-up, the truth is it is even harder. It's also true that you will see the world differently, appreciate new perspectives, and your compassion, empathy and heart will grow so big you might burst.
You will become your child's fiercest advocate, because trust me on this, there are a lot of obstacles and hurdles to overcome. You will try, and sometimes falter, in making sure to centre their voice in your advocacy.
Make an effort to engage with Autistics adults, people who share a lot in common with your child and can provide much needed perspective. Your child is uniquely themselves with their own strengths and weaknesses, but this support from their autistic peers is invaluable.
In our experience, honesty is key. Tell your child that they are Autistic. Chances are, they figure out early on that they do things differently, it's important for them to know there is a reason why. This helps to empower their voice.
If you are really lucky, you'll meet an autistic adult early on in your child's autism journey. That adult will become editor of @AutisticsAloud, and after dreaming big dreams, they will publish a magazine featuring autistics voices across the lifespan.
Maybe, just maybe, your child will be the youngest contributor to this important platform for Autistic Canadian voices, writing an essay on what Autism means to him. 
{Image of my 10 year old's submission to Autistics Aloud magazine, "What is Autism". The image shows his handwritten entry as well as his words typed out by the editor. Link found here: autismnovascotia.ca/userfiles/1/Au…}
And maybe today, almost six years after your child is diagnosed, you will be taking them to @NSLeg to be honoured alongside your friend, the editor of @AutisticsAloud , for their contribution in creating a space for Autistics voices to be heard.
And because this is basically a Hallmark movie script, the statement in the Leg will be read by the wonderful @ChenderMLA , MLA for Dartmouth South, and proud Aunt of this amazing 10 year old boy who has taught us that preconceived expectations and defined limits are meaningless.
Big day for you, little buddy.
