Not so much a rant, but a confession

I know I'll catch some hate for this but here goes …

One of my kids is different, and I adore him, and share/celebrate his differences with close family and his teachers, but outside of that I get embarrassed if he shows it around other people. I have some social anxiety and I feel panicked if other people notice or say anything about it. I don't know how to respond. I feel judged. I feel like my parenting is being judged and my reaction is being judged and I feel embarrassed about my reaction no matter how I react (play it up? "It's so awesome. I'm a lucky parent!" or downplay it? "Yeah haha he's a quirky kid.") And I find myself wishing it weren't so complicated. I am proud of him, and truly enjoy him for who he is, but it's been awkward and embarrassing and I find myself trying to hide it from strangers and casual acquaintances.