Nothing is truer than this popular saying. No two children on the spectrum behave the same. They all come with their own personal strengths and weaknesses, like all humans. Throughout the course of history, there have always been quirky people. In third world countries, these people most likely never received an official label. But in America, the land of opportunity, you must receive a diagnosis of some sort to receive the best help you can get...whether it's provided by the government or through health insurance. So you must take advantage and chase a diagnosis. This free help is provided to increase opportunity for our children's futures.
Do I believe it is fair to have one word to define 1 in 68 children who range so much in ability? Absolutely not. Till this day, I think there should be more than one word. For one, more severe children need more services. And it's not fair for those who are on the border of the spectrum to receive the same amount of therapy. And two, no parent should ever have to suffer thinking their capable-enough child is unusual in any way. There used to be different words to express the severity of autism. Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) and Asbergers are both high functioning Autism (think every other man in the world and every other unique person you meet) but are no longer diagnosed as such today. As of 2015, all severities are being lumped under the same umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
When I first learned of my son's diagnosis, professionals were quick to tell me "Einstein and Steve Jobs are on the spectrum"...and I kept thinking "and this is a bad place to be?" These two men arguably achieved more success than any human in history. The therapists used these examples to de-stigmatize ASD, yet I honestly believe that people who will go on and live independent and successful lives shouldn't receive this diagnosis. Not to say ASD shouldn't be de-stigmatized, but it shouldn't be overly diagnosed! There is a fine line between ASD and neuro-typical, and a parent should always trust their instinct, not their fear, on whether they believe their child needs a label. And remember, no one but you and your spouse needs to know this about your child if he/she is indeed on the spectrum. It is a personal choice and there is nothing cowardly about keeping it private. Letting people know too soon may cast a shadow on your child's life forever, as unfortunately, the word is still a stigma (see To Tell or Not To Tell). And you may see as your child grows older that they will shed their old and strange habits. I respect both those parents who keep the secret and those who share. But no parent should ever be ashamed of their child!