Help with a Teenager 15 years old

Nicole - posted on 02/02/2011

My son is like that too but I don't think he is as sever as you are describing. He is VERY smart, actually tested gifted, but he has NO social skills or common sense. My philosophy so far has been mostly hands off. He does well in school so I don't bug him too much about friends and I let him do his own thing. When he was younger he was on heavy drugs like Stratra and Zyprexa but when he moved to Ga. from Ak. he was taken off the drugs and has been doing great! I think his odd social skills stem from him being so intelligent. He has a hard time relating to people his own age. Luckly I teach high school so I'm able to relate to him with some of the stuff he is interested in. Teenagers are awkward anyway. I hope with time things will work themselves out for your boy.

Candy - posted on 01/30/2011

Sounds like Aspergers to me too- my brother is exactly the same and I've taught some kids like this as well. I'd be looking into specialised help- I know there is some new system happening where they use faces on inanimate objects (think Thomas the Tank Engine) to teach these kids about emotions. Maybe google it? I wish my brother had help when he was young- he is over 50 now and still smart, still ZERO social skills, has to be told all the time how he's expected to behave!

Lorri - posted on 01/21/2011

AUTISM SPECTRUM or not some kids need social skills training/ teaching and practice with peers. I agree with the comments on keeping things positive and working through his strengths. Is there a school counselor or resource teacher you can talk to about this? Many resources for socials skills training are available but without safe "role playing" types of practice with peers the research I've read says skills are less likely to develop. It is best to look at what he does well socially and what is happening when things are not going well. That will help you zero in on the exact issues and help build a suitable method of teaching those skills. A good mental health professional- doctor, therapist, social worker, special education teacher and special education support personnel can help guide you toward effective resources for your son and your family. Many of the strategies can be reinforced, mediated, and modeled in the home by the adults and other siblings. Keep doing what you can and reaching out for support. These challenges are draining for us parents but you will feel better in the long run if you find a way to help him develop those social skills. All the best!

Ramona - posted on 11/19/2010

I was thinking Asburgers too. I would talk to your doctors and perhaps looking into getting another social worker.

Louise - posted on 11/18/2010

I agree with Rosie try and focus on the positives and not the negatives. Encourage positive behaviour with rewards and lots of praise. If you think you are not getting any help with the social worker ask for a new one or a meeting to discuss how you move forward.

Rosie - posted on 11/17/2010

I think I would try to find something he's good at, he doesn't have to be great at it, just good. Then focus his attention on whatever it is. It could be sports, photography, painting/drawing, karate, reading, chess...etc. Then get him involved in some kind of club either at school or out of school.

Michelle - posted on 11/10/2010

Have you looked into Asperger's Syndrome? This sounds common for someone with Aspergers. My step son has this and he is very smart but his communication and social skills lack. I would talk with a therapist about this.