I personally do not have a child with autism, but I am in close contact with two children on very different ends of the autistic spectrum and I have to say, my life is much richer since I have known them.
Autism is such a varied and individualized "disorder" (I really don't like using that term, but I don't know another way to put it) and you never know how far someone can develop beyond their intial placement on the spectrum. For me it's been a blessing and great teacher to have experience with people that have been diagnosed with autism. My best advice would be to seek out a support network of other people that have been through this diagnosis and find out the many rays of light that can often be overlooked at times like that.
Best wishes for you and your child.