It wasn't losing friends due to the diagnosis. We got more flack due to the inability to go out due to ABA, OT, Speech therapies- they are very time consuming but necessary. Our priorities shifted since the diagnosis and people, even family have difficulties understanding.

I totally lost friends. My daughter was formally diagnosed at 11 years old. So, along the way, we lost connections because her peers started not wanting to be around her, therefore their families separated from us too. With diagnosis, I only told to other moms and they totally took off. I want to scream that autism is not contagious. Most people think they are good and if asked would say 'how can I help?' and I want to explain - Inclusion! The best help for all of us is inclusion! My husband and I still need love and acceptance and so does our older son. And my daughter especially needs inclusion so she can continue to learn how to socialize and feel accepted. Her self esteem is so low. BUT, I feel it is up to me to lead by example. If I want others to accept us, I need to accept them and show tolerance of them and just keep trying! I know we will find our way. Somehow, someway. So, I totally feel your pain. I wish I has a magical answer. But please know you are not alone. And I have found this forum to really help as well. A place to vent and someone is out there hearing your voice who knows what you are going through.
By the way, I posted twice on my Facebook about autism awareness day Saturday and no one, not one of my 'friends', or family even liked my post! I couldn't believe it. But, their loss.

I too lost so called friends because of having Autism within my family. My daughter was constantly being blamed for someone else's actions. When she acted our because of the untruth:; we both were labeled and shunned. To sum it up, they were never ever my friends. The displayed conditional love instead of unconditional love.

I have no idea. My son has other medical issues and a low immune system. We've missed so much stuff from his surgeries and him being sick we don't get invited much anymore. It hurts :(

My daughter wrote this song and I'm publishing it...
"Lately somethings messing with my head.
Yes it's hard to know what's real and what's been said.
The way I feel I don't have the cure of. Cure of!
But one that is clear and I'm sure of. Sure of!
I am the one and only.
No one is exactly like me.
I am the one and only because I'm this way; it's all in my DNA.
Do not attempt to happen, I'm on this ride and there's no stopping me.
I am the one and only true...
And you're the one and only you!"