Also, pics of mixed animals sleeping next to each other is considered the same thing, but it rubs me the wrong way the same as the disability type of ‘inspirational’ photos do, but I can’t really tell you why. They just feel fake and kind of like they’re not fixing anything wrong with the way society addresses our differences, but just minimizes the seriousness with a distraction of cute animal pics.
Anyway, I just thought I’d check out your new page. I like it!

Oh, wow.

That reads to me like your friend was trying to remind you how things can always be worse, or, maybe tomorrow your autistic child will wake up and have all these amazing Things about them that will ‘balance out’ that whole autism thing. (maybe s/he does have some amazing talent; either way, it’s like when people say, “I have a blind third cousin” when I tell them I’m hard of hearing)

As an autistic person I find neither of the above options particularly attractive.

You’re a mother of a child. Regardless of how easy or difficult or different other people perceive it, that is your child. S/he doesn’t need any other validation, like a special talent, or anyone else’s “pat on the head” to be “worth” whatever it is you may “suffer.”

Meanwhile, your child is an individual.

–egh, I’ll halt there.
Sorry for ranting; I grew up with a mom that thrived on this kind of attention and it’s refreshing to see mothers like yourself who do not.