Autism is a huge part of our lives for good and for bad. It dictates everything we do. I love my boy so much and derive so much joy from him. I celebrate him every day but life can be difficult and it most certainly is not 'normal'.
One thing I find difficult is that nobody (other than those who know and love my boy) asks 'how are things' or 'what does your boys autism mean for you'. I feel the need to tell people that my boy is autistic. It is not a secret, it is not an embarassment and it explains a lot but the silence that declaration is met with both immediately and later on at best annoys and a worst is very hurtful.
Sorry I just needed to ventilate, I guess there are no solutions other than education...