have it much worse. We go to support groups with kids that are non verbal, have issues with hurting themselves, or have other things that go with being on the spectrum, and it my heart goes out to them. While its really hard going anywhere (especially out to eat) with him, we have a great family to help and our son is really liked by everyone. We're more worried about disrupting others or making them uncomfortable than anything else because as sad as it is and no matter how much "awareness" that autism has, some people are just uncomfortable around kids that are different. I have just learned to accept that.
Kinda lucked out too that hes sim-seeking, so we get to bond going out and doing exciting things. Things like amusement parks, baseball games, or big event gets him really excited and I love sharing that as a dad.