DD is social outcast

[Anonymous]

She's 7.5, in the first grade and in recent weeks has begun trying to get attention from her peers in inappropriate ways.
Her speech therapist is working with her on how to start a conversation, etc but in the meantime there are a few kids who have become a bit mean to her and others are seeing this and starting to follow suit.
For example, kids are regularly telling her to "go away!" and "be quiet!".
I'm so worried that this will follow her into next year and she'll eventually be bullied.
I really only have her own account of what's been going one each day because I don't want to keep bothering her teacher.
Would it make sense for me to go in the classroom to observe her behavior so I can get a true grasp of the situation, and what exactly DD is doing to
irritate her classmates? This is all pretty recent, btw...she was never a social butterfly but was generally well-liked until recently.

[Anonymous]

Just to add, none of her classmates want to work with her anymore or be her partner. She doesn't have a mean bone in her body and isn't disruptive or anything like that...but I think she has been saying strange things to kids and when they pull back, she keeps trying to get their attention at inappropriate times, like when they're trying to work or are talking to someone else. Do you think going in and observing is a good idea?

[Anonymous]

I doubt she'll act natural in front of you.

[Anonymous]

Oh shoot, meant to put this in special needs.

[Anonymous]

talk with the teacher and perhaps the school counselor. It is late in there year, but they usually have friendship groups going on that might be helpful to her. I don't think you observing is going to hurt but it might not help either. maybe enroll her in a social skills class, camp over the summer. my ds is quirky so I can relate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:She's 7.5, in the first grade and in recent weeks has begun trying to get attention from her peers in inappropriate ways.
Her speech therapist is working with her on how to start a conversation, etc but in the meantime there are a few kids who have become a bit mean to her and others are seeing this and starting to follow suit.
For example, kids are regularly telling her to "go away!" and "be quiet!".
I'm so worried that this will follow her into next year and she'll eventually be bullied.
I really only have her own account of what's been going one each day because I don't want to keep bothering her teacher.
Would it make sense for me to go in the classroom to observe her behavior so I can get a true grasp of the situation, and what exactly DD is doing to
irritate her classmates? This is all pretty recent, btw...she was never a social butterfly but was generally well-liked until recently.

What are the inappropriate ways?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:She's 7.5, in the first grade and in recent weeks has begun trying to get attention from her peers in inappropriate ways.
Her speech therapist is working with her on how to start a conversation, etc but in the meantime there are a few kids who have become a bit mean to her and others are seeing this and starting to follow suit.
For example, kids are regularly telling her to "go away!" and "be quiet!".
I'm so worried that this will follow her into next year and she'll eventually be bullied.
I really only have her own account of what's been going one each day because I don't want to keep bothering her teacher.
Would it make sense for me to go in the classroom to observe her behavior so I can get a true grasp of the situation, and what exactly DD is doing to
irritate her classmates? This is all pretty recent, btw...she was never a social butterfly but was generally well-liked until recently.

What are the inappropriate ways?

A lot of silly talk that makes no sense, saying things out of context, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:talk with the teacher and perhaps the school counselor. It is late in there year, but they usually have friendship groups going on that might be helpful to her. I don't think you observing is going to hurt but it might not help either. maybe enroll her in a social skills class, camp over the summer. my ds is quirky so I can relate.

I agree with social skills class or ask the teacher for suggestions for one-on-one play dates. I'm not sure if observing would be useful. I'd ask the teacher for feedback. It may be nothing that she's actively doing. My speech delayed kid was often picked on b/c DC not that quick on the uptake or the come back. Unfortunately, some social-savy kids gravitate to bullying the kids whose delays make them easy targets.

[Anonymous]

Have you consulted a developmental pediatrician?

Maybe a consultation could help: http://www.childrensnational.org/departmentsandprograms/default.aspx?Id=348&Type=Dept&Name=Developmental%20Pediatrics

[Anonymous]

^^Yes, we go to Kennedy Krieger, and she has an IEP.

[Anonymous]

She did a social skills group for a while and "graduated".
Her speech therapist feels she doesn't really need another one because she knows how to have a conversation and interact, but I think a group of kids with similar issues would benefit her. Plus, the kids may be more accepting and maybe she would make a friend or two. Unfortunately they don't have groups in her school.

She is very literal, and immature for her age, and definitely not as quick physically or verbally, so she has always been left in the dust a bit with kids her age...but this mean stuff is new.

[Anonymous]

OP again - anyone know of a good social skills group in MoCo? For kids who don't necessarily have behavioral issues and want so badly to have friends but have a hard time making them.

[Anonymous]

She needs to make some friends in her class. Ask the teacher for some good candidates and/or ask your DD who she likes.

I'm so sorry that your little girl is going through this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP again - anyone know of a good social skills group in MoCo? For kids who don't necessarily have behavioral issues and want so badly to have friends but have a hard time making them.

OP, I know exactly what you're going through! Here are some ideas for camps that emphasize speech issues: National Speech, Summer Buddies, Basic Concepts, Lab School--this last one is in DC.

Alvord Baker also has social skill groups.

[Anonymous]

I think I remember your post from a couple weeks ago. Sorry this is still going on. I used to be surprised kids this young could be so mean. Hugs for you and DD!