Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi, first post.
My son is 11 and has just started secondary. He was diagnosed in January with autism and dyspraxia and hypermobility. This is because for some reason, he's been sent for referrals since he was 4 but the drs kept sending him back.
Since starting school he's been bullied by a group of boys including surrounding him in the changing room. He is such a lovely and funny person but seems to have little to no confidence on himself and tends to only speak to people his age when they initiate conversation. Even then, he is very passive and tries to please them. He stims and repeats, has special interests and doesn't quite grasp social etiquette.
I know he longs for friends but seems unable to make any. My question is how can I help him at school, and where can I find out if there's any Autism specific social clubs nearby so he can make friends with people like himself?
He says he doesn't like himself and is lonely and it breaks my heart.
Hi
I find in schools children eventually find their people. So there might be another quiet, passive child who your son may find. It could be a child whose main language isn’t English.
Perhaps ask a teacher if there’s anyone your son tends to gravitate towards then try and arrange for them to come over to your house.
I know it’s harder having contact with teachers and other parents at secondary but most kids have phones now so can be done.
Hope he finds “his people” soon.