I think the one things parents with autistic children forget is that as long as they have parents that care as much as you all do, they pretty much have all they'll ever need - at least emotionally speaking.
I don't have any children, yet. Two of my nephews have autism - one a little more than the other. I've seen my sister fret over what will happen to them and how will they fit in. Luckily, my nephews have been able to make friends somewhat - they don't really go out to houses to play much though. They like playing with each other more (they're not too far apart in age). And there have been tough times and triumphant times and times where my sister stresses over the future of her two kids.
And times where I stressed for her and my two nephews.
But then I thought about how I grew up and how I am. I can't say that my desires are the same as my nephews, but I can say that as I grew up...I didn't have very many friends and I wasn't in a lot of activities, either. I always wondered what it'd be like to have swarms of friends, but I was much more comfortable if I only had one or two (and generally only had one friend that I'd visit), but a lot of the time...I didn't like doing any special activities as a child. I liked to stay home and draw and watch movies. I liked sitting near my parents a lot and just being in their company and feeling like I was their pride and joy because I didn't get that sort of attention during school.
I was a really weird kid and I know my sisters and some of my teachers thought I had something wrong with me, but really, when I look at how my nephews seem to really enjoy simple day to day things...I think, maybe, like them, I just knew already what made me happy and didn't see a point to anything else?
Of course, as I got older, I did get interested in more things, but what my point is...yeah, it's scary thinking about the future...
But seeing the posts where people are scared, stressed, and sad...I just wanted you all to know - from this outsider's point of view...
The powerful love for you child and the ability to really accept your kid...how many parents can really give their kid that much?
I know it's probably not the most helpful post, but I was just so amazed and moved by how loving you all are and I thought it should be acknowledged.
Your kids are lucky to have you.