How to tell people my son has autism?

[VJay]

DS1 is going to a party tomorrow, do I need to tell the parents that he is autistic? He's in the middle of the spectrum, so it's hard to see to a lot of people. He will get upset if it gets too noisy, and will probably go and play on his own if he isn't getting what's going on. But I hate telling people our business, ds1 doesn't even know!
Now that I've written this I know that I will have to tell them something, but what should I say? Any suggestions?

Thanks northernsky

I agree, maybe mention he doesnt like noise but he will be fine if left to be alone. We have to stay at every party with dd1, so dont have this yet

Just say if he finds it too noisy he may go off on his own but for them not to worry if so.

Thanks lisa, I used to stay at all the parties too, since last year i've started to leave him on his own, but that's been at parties with people that know him. He has coped fine, he just tends to sit out on his own, and that's been ok because the parents know and understand.

Yes lizs, I just need to keep it short and sweet. I used to feel that I had to explain all the time to people, but now I'm getting 'used' to it all, i feel that it's our business.