Oh so useful question! Our ABA trainer also cautioned me about talking about this in front of the child so they recommended a business card they supply to parents. It simply states: My child has autism. It is not a choice. It is not bad parenting. There is no cure......we love them the way they are. The reverse has a definition of autism with a web address if they want to know more. Check out www.aut2know.co.za #growawareness

I still don't have my verbiage down, but I try view it as another opportunity to educate. I learned with my oldest (deaf) that people say the most ignorant things but how we react leaves a lasting impression to "her kind". I like to walk away with the belief that I helped 1 more person be accepting. (It might be a delusion but at least I'm happy.)

Sometimes, I just laugh and say, "she gets it from her father."

A lady after my own heart!
We have this a lot. I no longer try and explain unless its absolutely necessary. But, rather than go into the full diagnosis, I try to 'teach' people by saying 'ask her simply and clearly, show her, kneel down and talk to her, don't talk over each other as its confusing for Lily, don't raise your voice, let me know when your doing pass the parcel and we will go into another room - Lily does not enjoy this game....'

You should never feel like you have to explain your son to someone. Our kids are just like everyone else, they're just wired differently, but are capable of doing the same things everyone else does.(no matter how long it takes) Everyone spoils their kids, "we" are just more overprotective because our kids require more attention.(our kids learn differently, and need extra time or modifications. People will never understand until they have a kid like ours, so don't expect them too. The only thing that matters is your child and that they're happy, other people don't.

I always will say that a little booklet with info and lots of patience it takes time for other to grasp it