Difference, Labelling and Disclosure

[livmum]

As a mum of 2 ASD children I just wondered? My son is 17. He loves and hates what are his difficulties/differences. He wishes that he he could concentrate( severe ADHD) but loves his own quirkiness(ADHD AND ASD) and actively seeks out similar friends. He has no issues at the moment with this disclosure. I have always tried to refer to and suggest that ASD is a " difference" not a "problem". With my son as he went to an independent school with specialist provision and similar children it wasn't an issue. With my 12 year old daughter I worry about disclosure as she is in mainstream. I know that she has told 2 friends who if I am frank are quirky themselves. I have always taught them that different is good. How have your teenagers experienced this?

[Shnoing]

Now aged 29, ASD: didn't disclose at any time.

Now 25, ADHD: did get disclosed due to statement, but didn't like it at all.

Now 9, ASD: disclosed, but doesn't care about it (yet).