My biggest piece of advice for anyone who either believes their child is on the spectrum or actually has a diagnosis is this: early intervention makes all the difference in the world. I cannot emphasize that enough.

There is a small window of opportunity while a child's brain is still developing during which all of those neurological pathways can still be "taught," so to speak, to operate differently. Once that window closes, you cannot get that precious time back.

When my son was diagnosed, he only said a few words, no sentences, and mostly screamed to communicate. He was diagnosed and began receiving therapies and has accomplished amazing things (and still is). He's now in the regular kindergarten classroom with only a few concessions. None of it would have been possible without early intervention.

I spent the first nine months after my son's diagnosis in denial. He was receiving the help he needed, but I barely talked about it. But once I embraced it, everyone around me did also. People are amazing when they are taking their cues from you.

The more you open up and bring people into his world who can help him, the more progress your grandson will make. There are tons of people out there who have been where your daughter is right now. She will be amazed at how far her son can go once he begins receiving therapies that will benefit him. And you will learn as much as he does about how things affect him and how best to deal with it. It's a learning process for all involved!

I hope that I have helped or at least encouraged you! Hang in there. It's a tough road, but not one that can be avoided or one that will go away. What's best for your grandson is for you all to look it straight in the eye and take it on.