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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Op back. Thanks to those who offered ideas.  [b]I do think DC has social anxiety,[/b] though it did not come up in the neuropsych's we have done. That is actually why I am asking for suggestions on therapists/consults to work through this. It does bother DC that he does not have friends.  He is active and likes to do things out and about. We have tried all the typical suggestions: encouraging him to ask other kids to do things (like, other nice kids, not the "popular" kids or whatever), getting involved in clubs, etc.  There is just something that makes him not be able to really break in and that is what we are trying to help with.

He is on a HS and club sports team that both take up a lot of time and though friendly with those kids, just hasn't been able to form friendships and in fact is a bit on the outside of the group there.  If you saw him at a game or on the halls of school you would not think this is an issue for him because he is always chatting and joking around with kids but that has not led to any actual friendships and leaves him isolated at home.

I will check out the therapist recs PPs suggested.[/quote]

It may not come up on a neuropsych, which is testing for different things. Social anxiety can go along with ASD, ADHD, etc, but a neuropsych isn't the way to diagnose social anxiety on its own. You can also get treatment for symptoms without a diagnosis.

There are multiple ways to find a therapist - calling your insurance to get a list of "in network" therapists; you can get on psychology today and narrow down by specialty/insurance/location; or by just googling and calling around. The most important thing is finding someone who *fits* with your kid - someone can have all the degrees in the world and if they don't form a connection with your kid in the first 2-3 appointments, it's time to try someone new. If you can't find someone "in network" for insurance, be sure to submit claims for partial reimbursement.

I do think starting with therapy is a good move - however if your child isn't making progress within a few months of starting therapy, anti-anxiety or anti-depressant medication can help with accessing therapeutic strategies. I know that it's hard to try medication, but it can be very helpful. The standard of care is Therapy AND Medication - not one or the other - if therapy alone isn't effective.[/quote]

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