Melissa
My son was diagnosed with high functioning autism at age 3. I don't know much about the school situation regarding other children picking on your son; however, I do have a normal 11 year old daughter who has friends over frenquently who give my son strange looks. My daughter likes to play, most of the time, at her friends home rather than ours. We have explained to her that this is your brother (now 5) you must except him for what he is. She has explained to all her friends about her brother and how if they want to play with her, they should understand her brother has a disability and he didn't choose this path. We are having some difficulity with the school regarding my son's IEP and mainstreaming. Most of the children at his school understand his problem and move on. This I think has a lot to do with the teachers explaining to the class about my son's autism. Of course, preschool and kindergarten children are much different then older kids like your son is having to deal with. I would suggest you talk to his teachers and have them explain your son's problem. Take in articles, books, and pictures. This has helped us. Also, we go to playgrounds frequently and I've recently noticed older children looking at him as if they are trying to figure out why is is pacing and not socializing with them. Colin is a very handsome little guy. I think thats why so many people stare. They can't figure out why this handsome little guy has a hard time sometimes and acts a little different. I always try to tell the children when we first arrive at the playground about my son. I will say Colin is different from you guys. He likes to play alone and sometimes he will not answer you back, but he can hear everything you are saying to him. He is a special little guy given to us from God. This always seems to work. They really try hard to play with him and accept him for what his disability is. Colin can talk very well. He does pace at times. He has a hard time carrying on a long conversation. He will walk off. Colin takes a vitamin called Super Nu Thera. This is a mega vitamin created especially for autistics. This vitamin has helped my son so much. It has to be ordered or you can call. You can also pull up information on your computer about this vitamin and who makes it. The web site is kirkmanlabs.com. They have many different products with full details on the products. We also give our son a product from the same company called TMG. This has also helped his speech, focusing etc.. It's a long message. I hope it helps you. I know your pain.