Teen boy with HFA and social struggles

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Volunteering helped my DS at that age. He had specific interest and sharing that interest with other volunteers was an asset for him. He is at college now and continues to volunteer whenever he is available.

Can you share more about what kind of volunteer opportunities are available to kids that age in this area?

Nature centers
Small museums
Arts programs etc

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For non religious families, any youth group recommendation in montgomery county for teen boys? I am not sure if we can just ask any church because we are not related to any religions. We do not mind DC to attend any social teen events hosted or organized by any religions. We are in scout already.

How do you feel about UU?

Does UU offer youth support group? What is that exactly?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For non religious families, any youth group recommendation in montgomery county for teen boys? I am not sure if we can just ask any church because we are not related to any religions. We do not mind DC to attend any social teen events hosted or organized by any religions. We are in scout already.

How do you feel about UU?

Does UU offer youth support group? What is that exactly?

what do you mean by support group?

[Anonymous]

Free resource for teens needing extra support with executive functioning planning:

https://www.precisionteachingacademy.com/resources

[Anonymous]

I second volunteering or even a part time job? A sport is great if you can talk him into it. Volunteering gave my son confidence and forced him to put social skills into practice greeting people and taking down their info. Adults are less scary to kids I think so it was actually a good training ground for greeting, eye contact etc. Sports gave him a group and just a lot of time with other kids, which is a huge piece of it IMO. They just need practice. Drama/stage crew could work too. Scouts is another option.

[Anonymous]

Look into robotics clubs/teams.

Middle school has First Lego League and high school has First Robotics Challenge teams.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For non religious families, any youth group recommendation in montgomery county for teen boys? I am not sure if we can just ask any church because we are not related to any religions. We do not mind DC to attend any social teen events hosted or organized by any religions. We are in scout already.

How do you feel about UU?

Does UU offer youth support group? What is that exactly?

They have youth groups for teens. Not specifically for social skills or support, but UUs have more quirky folks than the general population. Probably related to rejecting religious orthodoxy. Atheists are welcome. Usually families go to the church together for Sunday service, and teens usually go to youth group instead of the main service.

[Anonymous]

Instead of focusing on friends and trying to fit in, find something that he can work on and become good at. Chess Club, Robotics, Tennis, Golf, Running Club, Karate, Soccer. It can be in school or outside of school. There is a lot of camaraderie with kids older and younger, not just in his grade. Help him figure out what he enjoys and help him pursue it by driving him to lessons or picking him up from school late or paying for lessons. It helps him bond with people with similar interests, and it's a good start. If he has no plans, take him out to lunch/dinner, movies, spend time with him. It gets easier in college because people are away from home and are eager to make friends. High school is all about fitting in and kids are not nice. My DC said there was a kid in his class (college) who mentioned he is autistic. My son complimented him on his work in the class. It's a different level of maturity, so it does get better. Just remind your son that confidence comes from within, not from other people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For non religious families, any youth group recommendation in montgomery county for teen boys? I am not sure if we can just ask any church because we are not related to any religions. We do not mind DC to attend any social teen events hosted or organized by any religions. We are in scout already.

Yes, you can just go up to any religious organization that I know of and ask if your dc will attend youth group. They will likely say yes. Most activities are free, but trips are more and he’ll need to bring cash if dinner is included.

-former youth group volunteer