My son (23 months) was diagnosed with level 2 in March. We have always suspected since he was 6 months old when he still did not make eye contact. All physical milestones met on time. All language and social skills delayed or not present. Scripting, jargon, sensory seeking, toe walking, constant verbal stimming, strange fixations and obsessions, rigid routine. I thought I would be relieved when we got the diagnosis. Now, our friends and family doubt the validity. They say "oh, well he smiles and says a few words so he can't have it!" "Oh, he's just a little behind but he'll catch up. It's only speech. They diagnose everyone with autism nowadays."
I don't know what to think. How realistic is an actual misdiagnosis? Should we care if we don't have their support and understanding? I feel like everyone is acting like we're crazy or overreacting. Has anyone else felt like their child was functioning enough that people didn't take them seriously?