Welcome! My son, Zeke, is 5 1/2 and has mild autism. He was diagnosed at age 3 as well. Autism is definitely widely mis-understood. Fortunately we noticed signs when he was 2 years old. He does great! He copes well, and when he doesn’t, I am able to help him cope the best I can. As you know, parenting is different with an autistic child.
I’m looking forward to reading your posts on autism.