My son was playing with a neurotypical child and felt the need to say "I have autism." The other child said "No you don't." I am happy that my son is accepted by this child but saddened that there is this "stereotype" of autism. Each and every child is gifted, not handicapped. I explained to my HF ASD son that some kids don't understand that it is a very broad spectrum. I also explained that he could tell this boy that kids with autism are smart but their brains are just wired differently… read more
That other child probably doesn't really know what autism is. I would take that exchange with a grain of salt. Just like if your son said "I have a unicorn" and the other child said "No you don't".
That child might have a hard time when other children get attention. They might have met one other child with autism and don't understand that its a spectrum. They might think it means "artistic" but not have a very high opinion of your child's art skills.
Really it could be anything. Your child is going to have a lot of these interactions throughout his life and he's going to develop his own way to deal with it, to advocate for himself.
I wouldn't step in these cases, maybe just watch what happens and talk about it with your son later if he wants to.