DEAR ABBY: My 6-year-old son, Perry, is autistic and loves to say "Good morning" to people when we're out -- no matter what time of day it is. It surprises me how many people will not reply. Why is that?
Would it be so difficult to just say something in return? Have we become lost in cell phones, iPods and other electronic devices to the extent that we have forgotten how to be polite?
You never know when a simple "good morning" will make someone happy -- and you might even find yourself smiling more. -- PARENT OF A SPECIAL CHILD
DEAR PARENT: Your child's disability may make some of the people he's greeting uncomfortable. Because the greeting is not appropriate, they may be unsure how to respond. It's sad, because it only takes a moment to say, "Hi," and the validation would give your son a jolt of pleasure.
If, however, you are disappointed because your son is getting no response from individuals who are using their cell phones, please know you're a member of a very large club. I hear the same complaint from mothers, fathers and grandparents who would also like a little courtesy from distracted relatives who are too absorbed in their cell phones, iPods and Blackberrys to make eye contact or converse.