I have autism...

For any of my kids it could be any of the following or combinations...
I have autism...
I have aspergers...
I have a learning disability...
I have ADD...
I have ADHD...
and various others...

I have always taught them that it ok to speak up for themselves when they need help, especially to my kids in high school or college. Just saying the words, I have a learning disability, to a teacher who does not know them well or has not read their IEP can make a difference.
With my daughters it has been a benefit for them to be able to talk about their learning disabilities with their teachers.
It is so much more complicated to teach the boys about their needs, they just don't communicate or process information very well.
My youngest boy has learned to say I have autism. I didn't teach him, he just takes it as a matter of fact.  He has had varying results however some rather funny and some not so much.
We were in a restaurant up north after a long day in the car. The poor boy could not sit still at all.
He was rather bouncy and I guess the waitress was looking at him and he just looked right back at her and said " I have autism" "I just can't focus".  I just looked up at the waitress and said ya that's true *LOL* and we both laughed. Colton said that is funny, I made you laugh. Yes buddy you always make me laugh :). It was so darn cute!

Whether it is us advocating for our kids or the kids trying to advocate for themselves, schools and others around them and those working with them need to listen and tune into their needs.