I might be right outside the circle of autism but my son is very much inside the circle but is only mildy autistic by diagnosis which has afforded him IEP programs his whole life.

NOT ONE child in the neighborhood has ever played with him in the last 5 years. He won the National Geo 1st prize medal for his school but not the State last year.

I know predjudice and fear acutely. I feel bad sometimes that he has been the butt of their jokes and isolationism. But that is all he's known and he takes it in stride with a happy attitude of "It doesn't matter" He has the gift of charm for his teachers, advisors, staff and administration. Everything I don't have. I am positive he will continue to do well and remain on the honor roll. Then, who knows...
if he is lucky in love, the lady will be very fortunate.



Living with severe forms of autism is a challenge I have not experienced.


PS
We were introduced to autism by professionals as the Spectrum or "rainbow" of autism. Circle seems fine by me.