Honest and simple is usually the best way to go. "He doesn't talk much, yet." or one of my favorites--"He's a man of very few words..."

Your guys are still fairly young. As they get older, you will get used to this and it won't get you so much. Some days I respond...some days I just nod and smile. Kinda depends on my mood.

With 1 in 54 boys being diagnosed with some form of autism, most people know someone or of someone with a child with autism, so I've found it easier and easier with awareness out there.

I was going to get t-shirts made up for us when we went to Disney a few years ago. Something like, "I have autism, so please don't waste my time." or something along those lines. But in the end, I didn't.

I usually just let people know not to take it personally, that Finn is mostly non-verbal & a boy of few words.

Both my grandchildren have very good language skills but still, ages 8 and 10, are unlikely to respond to a stranger's questions - or even to questions from extended family. They both know and can role-play appropriate responses, but seem to find it too stressful to respond. I'd like to know the answer to this problem. I usually tell the adult concerned and will tell the children that I know it's more effort for them because of their autism, but they should respond because they can and it might hurt the other's feelings.

I use it as a training opportunity and state he does not talk due to his autism and if they are still listening and not backing away I go on and tell them even more

I inform him what to say back (he repeats) and then smile at the person and press on with our conversation. If they ask I will inform them he can understand everything but rarely communicates socially. I offer an explanation of autism if pressed.