If there are people who won't let your kid over to play, just because your child is diagnosed with a difference, they aren't good friends to have, anyway. It is about finding the people who are positive and accepting, not hiding things just to fit in with those who are afraid of or irritated by social differences.

I've read what everyone has to say and I think it's wrong to call Autism a label. I personally tell anyone and everyone that I have a child with Autism...I'm so proud to be the parent of my son with Autism. I feel as though God has blessed me. I believe people stop and stare and pass judgment when they have no idea why a child is having a meltdown. Besides, awareness is important, not just for family and friends but for the world. We need that!!!! My son looks like every other child and you can't easily tell unless he starts talking or flapping his hands because he's excited. I have many people say he is so cute or sweet, how old is he? When I say 12 they look at me funny so I say "he's Autistic" Then all the questions start pouring in like "how old was he when you realized" "what were the signs" and so many more...then they say wow I think my nephew, cousin, family friend etc...may have autism!!! "Thank you for talking to me, maybe now I can share this information" That to me is a great feeling to know I may have helped someone understand Autism.

That family member is in denial! In my opinion your daughter deserves the best treatment from others and to know how to manage her, they have to know what they are dealing with. What are her specific needs or challenges ? Talk about it ! Brushing ASD under the carpet so as to speak, that would be like saying. My child is not a diabetic, but if you give her lots of sugar she will go into a coma, but it will pass, she will snap out of it. Educate others on what your child needs are. that is nothing to be embarrassed about. or widthhold, ASD is a Medical condition, what makes it worse is others who play it down, or see it off. ASD children go thorough this, denial in adults at first, and it just isolates the child even more. Best thing to do is to be straight up honest. THis is my Daughter ! this is part of who she is , social situations can be a struggle, but, with your help you can make it better for her, if you understand her needs. Educate those around you for her, so that she sees and will model that too.

I agree we tell everyone, it does not bother us at all anymore. Honestly if you watch my daughter for a few minutes you can tell that something is going on, even though she looks like every other child. People that can't see it or do not want to are people I have no time fir

Thanks so much for all the great responses. I feel like I should tell people she is autistic because she is verbal and at this point wants to go to friends houses but won't want to leave and that's were the meltdowns start when I try to get her home so I have to start telling her friends parents