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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]It is so very tough. My son is the same. He is now 16 and the worst stretch was middle school. Really tough times, exactly as you describe choosing kids who were the wrong fit and misreading it all. Some really painful times when he was ostracized by a friend group and he didn't see it coming.
Things are better now for a few reasons: he's still oblivious to friend issues but sometimes that works in his favor. He'll be confused about situations but fail to link his behavior as the cause so doesn't get hurt. Sadly I think he's given up on finding close friends but it's better than hoping it will happen in a school environment where it will definitely not.

He had a stretch of 2 years where he wasn't clicking with extracurriculars but then found a sport that he's really committed to. He's still on the fringe of that group but doesn't really process it or over think it. He really enjoys it and it keeps him very, very busy.
Summer camp: I can't emphasize this enough. Summer camp was the best weeks of his year. He went to mainstream camp but a very accepting one with a fair amount of neurodiversity. He formed deep bonds and all the wonderful things that sleep away camp offers. He loved himself, his friends, his time there, etc.

You are in a tough point of letting go and letting him navigate this. All you can do from now is introduce as much opportunity for positiveness in his life (clubs, sports, etc) until something sticks. And above all, help be the buffer around his self confidence so that will come out strong on the other side of these years. All kids learn painful lessons during teen years. It's awful as a parent to watch it happen but he will be ok and learn all the great lessons he needs to. The awkwardness and pain can lead to him being a strong, compassionate wonderful and wise adult.[/quote]

OP here.  Thank you for this response.  It really meant a lot. Hugs to you and your son.[/quote]

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