Questions of the mind

I took Matthew to the dentist today to have sealants put on his back teeth. And yes, Patrick came with me. He was really well behaved. He spoke to the receptionist and another patient who was waiting. He talked to the fish. I was so proud of him. And, something happened for the first time. I did NOT say "He has Autism". I didn't feel the need to qualify his behavour at all. It felt really good.

It also made me start thinking out WHY I say that sometimes. Do I feel the need to explain him? Am I that worried about what others think? Should he only be accepted if he has a label? Can't he just be unique and who he is and still have others accept him for that? Needless to say I'll be rhuminating over that for a little while. I promise I'll post what I come up with.