In regards to his "denial"... this is a very legitimate feeling and assumption. Think about it this way. He was homeschooling where he was the only student. Therefore he was meant to feel that he was the standard for normalcy because there was no other comparison. Also he was clearly held and treated to higher expectations of neuro-typical behaviors and standards thus making him develope an efficient and independent sense of self. He also had no other behavior to miror except his own and the behavior of those whom he interacted with on a daily basis. Adults and other whom I assume where not on the spectrum given him even more sense of normalcy and autonomy.

If you try to "convince" him that that he has a disability you will get resistance, pushback and anger and honestly it's also counter productive. You want him to feel as normal as possible (whatever that may look like TO HIM). Try instead to validate that yes he different. And him being different is just as okay as his peers being different. Also try to explain to him what autism is in simple analogies. I share one of my favorites
https://www.northmetropsych.com/blog/6m3h884pyx...

Essentially you will explain that like Zebras are all Zebras but none have the same stripes so are we as humans. Him and his peers all have different stripes but they are all Zebras.

Just one example. Removing the negative connotation from the term "disability" and "autism". It's something you have like a hat, or a watch NOT something you are therefore we all have different hats and watches (behaviors and reactions).

This seems more complex than it actually is but repetition with focus on how him and his peers are ALIKE will help instead of reinforcing why they are different.

Like: yes you and peer A BOTH like to play with balls, he likes to kick it you like to throw it. I like to ----- the ball too!

Maybe try asking the teachers what commonalities exist amongst him and his peers in terms of intrest. Also what have they observed are better more interactive parts of his day and with which peer specifically. This will help you build repor to then integrate at home in your conversations. Your interest in peers that maybe within his radar will support his curiosity and initiative. Because you are his safe space. If it's interesting to mom it's interesting or at least will inspire curiosity!

Sorry again for the long post! Hope it helps!

Embracing Your Stripes: Understanding Neurodiversity Through the Zebra Analogy<br/><br/> — North Metro Psychological Services

https://www.northmetropsych.com/blog/6m3h884pyxwtkl43j7gdyfmhc75fhk

@A MyAutismTeam Member thank you so much! I agree that everyone on the spectrum is very different from the next person. Human beings are all created to be one of a kind 😁

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A MyAutis...

Hello
I'm blessed to have such a beautiful, loving, caring young man. He had teachers, that taught it was alright to be different. And comfortable with his disability. When he first meet you, he would say " Hello my name is Aron and I have Autism.

Hi @A MyAutismTeam Member! Thank you so much forbtaking the time to read what I said and thanks for sharing a true insight from an autistic person. No offense taken at all and I agree but I also think that the term autistic person removes the concept of a spectrum. It implies that all people with autism are the same and that's not true. Autism doesn't have one specific set of behaviors. I mean it in that sense. Only because sadly even though numbers are increasing of people being diagnosed at all ages it still posses this negative connotation of being a "disability" instead of an impedimentability. I also love the image you used. Made me think of my munchkin! He is literally the most honest, kind and genuine kid I know :) 🥰

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A MyAutis...

This image sums up my take, too :)