Entering the spectrum

Yesterday, the hubby and I went to a free evaluation that our pediatrician had given us access to. We were told it was a screening led by GSU researchers to help diagnose and treat developmental disabilities early, so that the children will have a chance to live the most normal life possible...(but what IS normal, anyway?)
Well, our son has socially awkward parents, and I had an idea things weren't right. This child of mine is soooooo smart! He could spell WORDS with his alphabet puzzle pieces before he was three. Before he was two, he would draw alphabet letters all over the house. He can memorize stories, songs, and even songs in other languages. He counts and organizes, etc.
He is pretty affectionate, asking for hugs and kisses. But his eye contact is rare, and he doesn't always respond when you call his name. He can't tell us his name. He can't tell us if he is hungry, or in pain, or if he is cold. In fact, he is clumsy and gets injured a lot. Scrapes, bruises, normal little boy rough and tumble stuff. It doesn't faze him at all. He doesn't really interact with the other kids at school. However, his teachers love him, and they tell me he is very sweet and is the smartest toddler in all of the toddler classes. We haven't had too many issues with him, other than the fact that he doesn't tell his teachers when his diaper or pull-up is wet, because he doesn't know how (even though we have tried teaching him this repeatedly!!!)
When I was pregnant with him, I took prenatals (with folate) every day, went to every ob visit, slept well, ate healthy, and only drank 1/2 of one beer at a cookout at the end of my pregnancy to help relax my pelvic floor (it didn't work!). I did not avoid caffeine, mostly because I was a rotating shift nurse most of that time and I needed it desperately! However, the researchers (Ph.D and all) told me none of that would have changed this outcome. I have very strong genetics and the hubby may, too. My mom family's got some stuff, as well as two brothers. One brother is a very high functioning "aspie." BTW, he is 22 and is awesome. Hold down jobs and is a very good human.
Well, my son is autistic.
There.
I said it.
The hubby and I are still in shock. I have only told my best friend. He told his mom. I'm telling this blog (NOT facebook, or anything). I will be writing more later. I will say this: I am not complaining. I'm just a bit in shock. This is life-changing and we need to get our stuff together and put aside our differences(more on that later), and get started with his therapies n stuff.
Gonna chronicle our journey and tell our story. I know we are not alone.
I am so blessed with this wonderful gentle being. I'm going to make sure he has all the love and help that he needs on this journey.