With my son we didn't tell him until he asked us about it when he was 11 and now he is 12. We knew he would worry and think he would be like his sister who is severe ASD. When he did ask we showed him how there is a spectrum and children on his level can do some amazing things. We also told him he would not be like his sister and have to go to a special school. We explained autism as best we could and he understood. We intentionally moved to a small town where in general the other children accept the disabled. We don't have to worry much about the other children telling him things and treating him differently so it has made things much easier for him and us.

I've wondered about this too. Our son is 6 and it's not totally clear to us what the diagnosis means for him as different evaluations have given us different results, but I've thought of telling him everyone's brain works differently and we're still learning about how his brain works and what he needs and what his strengths are...

Actually...when I volunteered for Recording for the Blind & Dyslexia (now Learning Ally) readers with visual impairments actually appreciate colors being mentioned to them when charts and graphics were being described.

We haven't discussed autism with our 7 year old daughter. It's no secret and we use the term "autism" frequently in her presence. She wouldn't comprehend it anymore than her 5 year old brother has. She was diagnosed at age 3 and clearly has had autism since birth.

It would be like explaining colors to a blind person at this point. She's somewhat verbal and has never really said anything indicating she knows she's different from other kids. Her brother just figures she's "naughty" and we can't go into some public places for that reason. He does enjoy acting silly with her so a lot of people don't realize it's more than 2 hyperactive kids acting up.