Acting In Public

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone,

It's been a while since I've posted. I have a quick question. Before

I get myself all nutty...

I admit lately I've been stressed just with a lot going on.

My son is PDD and 7 yrs. old. Other children constantly look at him.

I'm not sure why all the time. When he talks you could tell he's

special needs. He's grown up with two older siblings so he also acts

like them....he wants to be part of the group. He doesn't necessary

look autistic or anything but he has different behaviors.

Anyway, my question is, yesterday I started to feel very uncomfortable

in the food store. My son apologized for saying Hi to some kid, and

told the kid " I didn't mean to bother you " . I told my son, there was

no need to say Sorry and it was perfectly ok to say Hi to the boy, I'm

sure it didn't bother him. By the end of the shopping trip...he was a

bit hyper. Talking a lot and singing in the store. I just remember

I was nervous as to what kids are thinking. They would look at him

and then look at me. I feel like I should explain to everyone that

looks at my son what's going on. Then I start with the " shhhhhh " to

my son or " quiet down " and he gets so upset at me, he doesn't

understand why I ask him to be quiet. Should I tell him that in

public we don't say hi to other kids? Should I tell him that he's

special and a non special child doesn't sing in public?

I just don't want to start worrying about having him with me in the

stores where I can't pay 100% attention to him when I'm trying to fill

the wagon with the weeks shopping.

Hope you all know what I'm asking....

Thanks so much for any advice.

By the way...My son is diagnosed PDD by a psychiatrist.

I have an appt. tonight with my psychologist so I'll be asking her

advice also.