My son, who is nearly 12,was diagnosed with Aspergers about 8 years ago. Initially as he started at primary school it was a major issue. As he moved up through primary it became less of an issue. He was a confident, witty, articulate, albeit rather quirky boy with lots of friends.
The issue has come with him now having made the transition to secondary school. He is in year 7 at a grammar school. He has had issues with organisation and has been overwhelmed by the amount of homework. The SENCO has been next to useless and when she observed him in a lesson said he appeared distracted and was fiddling, his shoes were on/off etc. However, she did admit that although he appeared distracted he was aware of what was going on in the lesson and was able to answer questions. She asked us to go for an OT referral, which we didn't feel was necessary, but went along with it. As expected, at the OT appointment she agreed that he didn't need OT involvement but needed to be supported in school and wrote a report detailing interventions and strategies.
Socially, it has been a nightmare for him. He has really regressed and become really introverted. He says he hasn't got any friends which absolutely breaks my heart. He says he doesn't know whether people are being nice or horrible to him - not knowing how to read people. He also says that he doesn't know how to start a conversation and what to talk to people about. His form tutor tells me that he is a very quiet member of the class, which he wasn't at primary. He does have people to talk to but doesn't actually class them as friends. He says he has never felt sadder and absolutely hates school. He has mentioned some incidents, which other children may brush off as nothing, but he is overthinking things and letting everything affect him.
I really don't know what to do. I don't feel that the school are being very supportive, but also understand that there is only so much they can do re my son socially. I feel he is just being left to flounder. I have looked for support groups locally but there are none. I am taking him to the GP next week as I wonder if he needs a CAMHS referral.
I would REALLY appreciate any advice anyone can give me on this as I really don't know where to turn and really feel I am letting my son down.
Thanks
