My sons first public disappearing act

[Guest guest]

Second post about my son's day yesterday. Earlier in the day, my seven year old

had to go for his baseball pictures. It was opening day at the park and

crowded. He survived it successfully last year, so I wasn't too worried. He

had his photo taken, then my dad took him and his brother to the play area,

before his game one hour later. I took my daughter to the library. When I

arrived back for the game, my dad was coming down to the baseball field with my

youngest son, but not my seven year old with AS. He could not find him. He

wasn't with his baseball team. My dad and daughter searched the play area

again. I asked the announcer to call for my son to come to the concession

stand. He could not be found, and did not come. Finally, my daughter found him

huddled deep under the playground equipment. I went to him, he was crying and

said he wasn't playing ball. (Incidentally, he heard the announcement, but

refused to come out of hiding).

To make a long story short, he told me he didn't feel good. (This happened last

year a lot before games). I determined he was not sick, just overwhelmed

because the park was crowded. After about three innings, I finally convinced

him to get out on the field and play, and he had a blast, and even got some kids

on the other team out.

I think he was just overwhelmed by the crowd. Is it fair to force him to play

ball? He loves playing, just doesn't want to be around all those people. But

if I remove him from the team, that is his last social activity out the window.

I don't want him to be a recluse at age seven.

And, can I expect him to hide more? It used to be he'd just scream and cry in

crowded situations. Hiding is new.

Ginger