Hello.
Can anyone shed some light as to how to best respond to my DS who really struggles in group situations. He really loves to be around other kids but struggles when others become unpredictably loud and/or excited. For example, he used to struggle when others sang happy birthday and would shout “SHUSH”. This isn’t all the time and often he will sing along and then scream when the children clap afterwards. I ask him before the cake comes out if he’d like to go somewhere quiet but he always refuses and wants to join in making it difficult to preempt what will happen next! He doesn’t appear to dislike loud noises (always been ok at home with vacuum/hairdryer/lawn mower) We have offered ear defenders but he doesn’t want them.
Thus also happens when others seem to be loudly enjoying themselves and he will go along with it, seem happy then all of a sudden switch. it happens in school and he won’t go to assembly and hates being presented with certificates (even though he’s happy to be doing something well). Does anyone have experience with this behaviour and if so any advice please? It’s really sad to see him enjoying himself and then become so upset so quickly. Thanks