There is too much focus on the one guest. Other guests may not be comfortable around the host's dog too.
As another poster stated, assess the invitation and if uncomfortable then decline the invitation. She already said she meets with this family to have dinner out during the year.
Does this son do well in public settings?
The reason I asked about the age is due to the fact she posted about her sixteen year old son obtaining his first job at an outdoor park where dogs would certainly be around. So she must have more than one son.
And FYI - one of my grand nephews is on the spectrum and works in a science lab in an experimental capacity.
Another grand nephew in preschool is also on the spectrum.
Two different families, two different scenarios.
I agree no poster should be telling the OP what to do or judging what she is not doing.
It was a simple question about a dog and we have seen this time and time again around here, especially at the holidays.
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Dogs over people. 👩
People over dogs.👩
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"" Compassion is a verb."-Thich Nhat Hanh