I think it is important to know that fine line to balance for your child where you don't overstimulate him/her but at the same time, don't allow him/her to be so rigid that you don't take them out. My son just turned 4 and we try to limit big places (like Walmart or loud restaurants) because his behavior is clearly worse when he's overstimulated (noises, smells, crowds, lights). However, I think it is very tempting to stay at home because it is easier to deal with potential meltdowns. I think you have to try to expose your child to different environments and different people to challenge him because ultimately he will be challenged at some point but I do think small doses of exposure to new people/environments is the way to start out. Both your son and you need time to recoup because even the smallest trips to the grocery, library, etc. can be challenging at first. Eventually, you might be able to lengthen exposure to new people. Good luck!

I think you need to do a little of both. You try to get them out and into social situations to get used to them however if you have had multiple days in a row of doing things a down day is good to. You have to learn and know your child's limits so if they are having a bad day then don't push it that day just take it slow. On the other hand sheltering them is not going to help either because they will not learn to adapt. As the child gets older they are more able to gain coping skills but pushing them a little at a time is a good thing.

Also just as stated before pack a variety of toys and snacks your child like so they are more comfortable when they are out and about.

Sounds exactly like my daughter. She is very fearful of people she doesn't know or does not see on a regular basis. I have been having a few friends and family members come over one or two at a time for an hour or so and after that I try again and increase the time they are over. She still has tantrums, but I have noticed if I keep trying to introduce her to the same person say a few times a week if possible she cries a little less each time she sees them. Also if your son is like my daughter you can tell the visitor not to pay attention to him unless he is trying to engage or is getting comfortable. She seems to be ok out of the house as long as strangers don't approach her which can be hard, I just try to make the conversation short.

Yes, I think its very important to get out, where I live they shut down the movie theater once a month on a Sat morning with what children movie that comes out for Autism ..no previews and the volume isn't as loud as a regular movie.check it out in your area.....he loves it! I also take him to the pet store and the outside mall where we. Walk from store to store! The ones with crowds I. Avoid.he. is getting better no as anxious in public he looks around at everything in amazement, he has even start pulling things off racks....(sensory disorder) no a real good thing but I simply put the things back. The park......

We take our ASD out every day if possible. But we avoid the big places unless we have to absolutely take him there. We try to go at a less busy time if we do. But in big I mean mall, Walmart, meijers places along that line. We also try one or two play dates a wk