at the Mall

The last time we took JadenGrace to the mall was when she could fit into a stroller--I guess over a year ago. She would be ok--not much noise or any meltdowns, but if you took her out of the stroller she wandered off, or wouldn't hold hands, generally uncooperative.
Well today Reg and I decided to go to the mall to eat at Chick Filet, since Jaden had earned a free kids meal because she was so brave while visiting Dr Kelly. We each held one hand and reminded her that the mall is loud and crowded but she was expected to be quiet and stay close. And she needed to sit at the table like a big girl while we ate lunch. She did GREAT! She did all of the above. She had no meltdowns. She did well in the ladies room, even though she hates the sound of the big toilets flushing. She even played at the play area with alot of other children. I watched her closely and aside from a few differences, she looked to me like any other child having fun. I noticed that with her wearing a diaper, especially when she appears so typical otherwise, makes her stand out so much to others. She is 4, but is 48 pounds and very tall, so others might think she is 5 or 6 and still in diapers. I silently prayed that God would show mercy and grace in our teaching Jaden to use the potty. Also, she is very anxious. If the children get in her face, she bites her fingers. She also throws out her arms once in a while, when overstimulated. At one point a little girl sat by her and tried to talk with her. Jaden smiled at her and was feeling loved but was unable to carry on a conversation so the little girl walked off.
All in all, I realized today that Jaden can be recovered to the point of few people knowing she is Autistic. My future goals include teaching her how to carry on conversations, and relate to others. She obviously likes people and likes interacting with them, so that will help.