My son is 9 years old and still is non-verbal. You really have to ignore the ignorance of others. When I get someone staring I look right back at them or tell them he's autistic. Then it clicks to them that they are being insensitive. I also wear a Autism Speaks pin or have one on my purse as some what of a symbol. Since autism awareness is spreading most people see the pin and understand. All you can do is just love your son and be proud of who he is. I pray every day for my son to talk, but until it happens I just got to keep my head up and know that I'm doing the best job possible. As long as my son is happy that's all that matters and just know that you're not alone.

I understand your feelings, been there,still there some days. My son Joey is basically non-verbal and also has apraxia and dystharia which severely impact his ability to speak, but that being said he has made immense progress in the past 3 years and this in itself gives me hope.you have to have hope and let go of others expectations or even your own expectations of your son because it can and will allow you to become depressed. My 3 yrold (nt) has been speaking full sentences and conversations since I can remember and this in itself can be hard bc he surpasses Joey every day, it breaks my heart,but I have to believe Joey will get there in his own time,
I have been by my sons side every step of the way teaching, repeating,talking...this is all you can do. I promise you they are absorbing everything they are hearing and one day it will come out and if doesn't you will learn how to manage it. I know how much it hurts,but don't give up the hope..your son needs to feel your confidence in him, and your belief in him.l
Lots and lots of repetition of words..it works..I have been saying mama or mommy for years, finally about 7 months ago he started saying ma:) .your son will get there. Best of luck

I love listening, or blasting out in my house,-ha! that song that says "Always look on the bright side of life". It's hard sometimes, I know.
Unfortunately you can't change others all you can do is change yourself. The bright side is that you are a great mom and you have a beautiful child!
There is nothing wrong with having a one sentence line to have in your back pocket which might help with any anxiety that you think you may be going to feel when you have to socialize with other parents with kids, and use when you meet someone that doesn't know your child like.... "My child has......and his speech is delayed. I love him to death and I am so lucky to have such a beautiful son".
If they say "oh, it must be hard". Say it the way it is..."Yes, it is hard however I love my child and wouldn't trade him for the world". I would then ask them a question like....."How is your day going?" It turns the attention off you and your son. They will then go into their "stuff" and the moment of "depression" for you will be gone. (hopefully) :)
Buy a button that you can put on his shirt everyday that says "I love my mommy". Or buy 1800 of them and put them all over your house. Know you child loves you unconditionally. My kids don't say "I love you mom" and they can talk!! They are teenagers now so unfortunately they won't wear a button with that saying.
Hang in there. Look in the mirror and smile and know that you are a great mom and your child loves you to death!!!

It's hopeful and enlightening to read about others with the same obstacles. My son is 5 (PDD-NOS) and non verbal. He is tall and looks about 8. We get the stares and suspected intolerance when we are out and about. -

In understanding societies lack of understanding I am also working hard on being tolerant of the ignorance because I was probably the same before my son was born.

I have been using it as a lesson for myself that when I see special kids/people that I add my smile and goodwill towards others.

I used pecks cards with my son until he began speaking ..... they are picture cards that depict things that are familiar to your child. you can buy them and it can cost a lot of money or you can do what I did. take pictures of things in his environment pics of him doing things in action pics of familiar people and things laminate them and then teach your child to show you the pics that comes the closest to what they are wanting or needing .. teach sign language.... there are other forms of communication other than speech. and y would you be depressed if your child is still able to convey a message it may not be in the typical manner but they are still able to share who they are.....