I think of DS as gifted first and autistic 2nd.
He was born gifted.
He reached all milestones early, spoke early etc.
He regressed @12mos. *if he infact is autistic? This is when Autism said "hello".
Like DeeDee, we focused on what were his deficits. His intellect helped him immensely- I don't deny this and we embraced this aspect of him. And still do.
Now he is really just deficit in the Pragmatic Department... he has a wonderful SLP, and then there is life. Life is a wonderful teacher.
*above I said, IF he has autism, because as I've mentioned, even though I am okay with Dx, and we have certainly taken advantage of all the therapies that were open to DS because of that particular Dx-- no other professionals other than the Pysch who initially Dx'd DS has thought he was Autistic.
Only now am fully comprehending that giftedness in and of itself will often present with a child lagging in speech, fine motor,social, etc, and that often these kids are misdiagnosed as "autistic" or "adhd" etc....If back when, I had been told, oh he is gifted, probably the line "don't worry" would have followed, and no therapy in sight other than enrichment- which I did on my own, just type of parent I am believing in enriching a kids life, and following their lead (many Professionals have told me I in fact was doing "floortime" or "play therapy"!! unbeknownst to me! Hey! Whatever works LOL But really that is just the kinda parent I am.
All that said---- I still am HAPPY with the Aut Dx because of all the help that came with it.
His Dx doesn't define him. Or any of our kids. Just like a child who is said/proven to be gifted? That child may still be a high school dropout (my brother!) and never live up to the potential that is there.....
Hugs
