He isn't around many kids his age, so I'd be surprised if he's trying to "fit in" at this point. I expect that when he starts school in August. But maybe he is picking up on his difference at the playground.
It doesn't take much, we adults are so used to 'tuning out things' - one lady in a grocery store saying 'My My - well look who is reading!' in a snotty tone can be enough for these tender things.
In general I think 'flexibility training' is very important for these kids who seem born with an internal intuition that is hard to overcome.
You're right. He notices subtle things.
I've had people say, "Did he just read that?!" right in front of him. He's been reading since he was three, but recently when we ask him to read to us, he will say, "I can't read yet, I'm only four." (He's reading at about a second grade level; possibly higher. Maybe he's hiding his ability from
us now. Who knows?)
I'll keep that term, "flexibility training" in mind next time he's so insistent.
