I agree.

When I go running, the sure way to invite a dog to chase and attack you is to look at it (or its owner) in the eye. So, dog walkers, if you come across a runner who ignores you when he runs past, you know why......(and it's not because he's autistic).

As an introvert, I make eye contact with passersby (without dogs), and give them a smile as I run past. I prefer not to say bon jour or guten Morgen.

But, honestly, in given time periods in a child's life, this is all you get. This is all the parents get!

You're not entitled to more. Nor are their aunts, uncles and grandparents.

They all hate it.

Don't.

I’m surprised that my comment was met with such negativity by some. It’s not “armchair psychology,” and that was upsetting to read. I don’t bandy my credentials about, and of course I wouldn’t label a person without knowing much more, but I do have more than an “armchair” knowledge of this. I think it’s useful to think about people from many different perspectives and this was just one more perspective.

You wrote above that you wouldn't label a person without knowing much more, but your earlier post was written in a way that stated that the student has autism.

Pianosuzemn's original "...he is on the autism spectrum—very mildly—and this is unlikely to change much..." was immediately preceded by "Here’s another take on the issue:" The word take is key. I took it to mean exactly what she said above:

It was another possibility she was offering for consideration in the conversation, not a diagnosis.