He wears it on his sleave.

I'm talking about my husband Brent. If I were talking about Ben, it would pretty much be ketchup he wears on his sleave, but Brent... It's autism.
Brent is a warrior in his own way. He's a big guy, who wears an autism ribbon we got from the Phila. Zoo on autism day. He wears it in work, and anywear we go out. I think he thinks it has magic power. So far, we've never had to deal with a single public problem with anyone. That, or it's like a lions growl warning anyone who thinks about making a comment about Ben being loud, or moving, or just being his little autistic self. Fair warning.
I was reading Welcome to my Planet, and saw she contributes to a different site. Autism Sucks. Well... that's true, so I checked it out. While there, one of there sponsers had the Autism t-shirts etc.
http://www.fibers.com/shop/autism

I bought one for Brent (2XL), it came Saturday. As much of an old man he is some days, let a package come in the mail and he's like a 3 year old.

I being the permissive parent that I am (yes... I might as well be Brents mother as well as his wife) I let him open it up. Thrilled, probably doesn't cover it. A tee shirt that costs 30 bucks is not like me at all. I'm that lady that doesn't go out to eat without being able to say to the waiter/waitress "I have a coupon", doesn't typically splurge, but it was well worth it. There he is like a child again, asking permission to wear it to work. Dude!!! If you wear it, and it doesn't sit in your drawer, then it was worth every penny. Do what you want!!!

Now that's him. Me, I'm a little different. I'm only just starting to come around to being open about Ben. I'll now say it when I'm having random conversations about day care or christmas. Being able to say, Ben doesn't say much, but he let's us know what he likes/wants. I'll get that confused look, and then I'll say he's autistic... didn't you know? When of course I know they wouldn't have. Baby steps. I know I've said it before, it's not embarresment, it's not shame, it just the chance of pity, or god forbid the stupid remark. It's even the fear of someone asking me "What is that" I would have a tough time explaining all that it is.

Happy Birthday Big guy, and if you're good, maybe I'll get you a travel mug next!