Uggg... that kind of thing drives me BONKERS.
I'm not sure exactly how to talk to her, but I would NOT encourage your son to force a smile for this lady. With his anxiety he needs to continue to be focused on RECOGNIZING his feelings, and learning to cope with them in healthy manners. Which is sounds like he's starting to do, which is awesome! Being forced to put on a "show" for his teacher is straight up bullshit. Pardon my french.
I personally would probably bypass this lady and go straight to an administrator that I feel comfortable with. Is it possible to get him transferred into a different classroom?
