When to use the autism label?

[Guest guest]

Well my son is now 2 1/2 and parents and other kids are starting to see that he

is

different. Like most of your kids, he has big time gut issues that create

sensory issues for

him. He also has good days where his sensory issues are mild and bad days where

he can

be on a stimming marathon. kids on the block come up to him and on bad days, he

dosn't

even notice them because he may be busy fixating on the lines of a fence. It's

awkward

and sometimes painful for me because most of the adults and parents know my son

has

autism but I still feel I have to explain what he is doing. Sometimes, he dosn't

do it at all

and will at least notice and somewhat play with other children. Lately, he has

been

stimming a lot(yeast flare up probably).

My friend dosn't think I should explain to other children that he has autism.

She is worried

that he may be the target of teasing or the kids may feel uncomfortable and

exclude him

because of this label. She thinks everybody should just accept him as he is, and

worries

that they will start to see a label rather than enjoy a unique little boy. I

sort of think we

have to ackknowledge the " elephant in the room " and give it a name. I think

there may be

less teasing now days and she may be relating more to a past generation where

differences were viewed as threatening. I also think it's good to create autism

awareness,

rather then hide it. How much should I tell kids about his difference?

I'm really torn on the wording I use, if at all.

I guess a year ago, I thought he would have been much better by this time and I

wouldn't

have to deal with this awkward part of autism.

Thanks in advace for your valuable suggestions.

Dani