Even though I'm so fortunate to have my husband here, I feel lonely too. As soon as our Autistic son was diagnosed as profound at age 3, my immediate family dropped us as their kids are perfect. We were even told from my family; "There is absolutely no way we'll ever take care of your son". We even chose the eldest (you fill in the blank) God Mother if you can believe that. All of our friends at the time found out our son is severely impaired; they scattered like roaches when you turn the lights on.
I wish I had true lifelong friends. I'm sorry to say this but if my husband, my only friend, goes before me, I'll just lose it with no one to lean on. No one. I worry all of the time. I wish I could get over all of it, but I can't.