Were You Traumatized by the Autism Diagnosis?

I am wondering how traumatizing an autism diagnosis is to a parent and how it affects how we parent in the future. It undoubtably changes how we consciously see the world, but is there a lasting subconscious effect?

I find myself having flashbacks to the day of diagnosis. The day on which everything changed. Even when faced with what someone might say is a normal parenting bump, I feel a certain sense of panic: "oh my god...is everything going to change?" Is our future going to once again be uncontrollably altered?

My 7 year old daughter has been complaining about trouble with some friends. This is something that immediately sends me into panic mode. Did we miss something, is she going to have the same troubles as Will? Is she destined for loneliness and heartbreak? Or anytime that they are struggling with something academically. Is it Autism's Cousin "ADD" knocking at the door?

You think that the diagnosis would helpus learn to roll withthe punches rather than fear the worst. I think consciously I try to live the former, but too often the latter sneaks in. Have I been traumatized to the point that I do not trust happiness?

How have you coped with the trauma of diagnosis?