Ds (8) being called 'weird' at school

[SophiesDog]

How do I handle this?

He has just told me in quite a matter of fact way that lots of children at school call him weird.

He is just 8 and at a new school since January (we moved house) where he is doing well and seems relatively happy.

He says it is older kids, Y5, Y6, that he doesn't even know, who walk up to him and say 'you're weird, what's your name?' out of the blue.

Other times it is children in his own class talking about him to one another - 'do you like [name]?' 'No' 'why not?' 'he's weird'.

I had this to an extent throughout my childhood so I can sympathise. Ds has just been referred for assessment for ASD, at my request. I am fairly sure he has a form of autism, perhaps AS or HFA. I think I probably do too - my score on the AQ has been in the high 40s every time I have done it.

Should the school do anything; can they do anything? What should I do to support Ds?

All thoughts most welcome. He starts Y4 in September, he does have some nice little friends, but I think this bothers him.

[SophiesDog]

Thanks very much - I had an idea bout discussing how weird can be good, how I don't see him as weird, but as 'normal' just like I am because we think the same way.

I think he'll like that. I will speak to his new teacher and make her aware though when he goes back as perhaps some of the kids need their minds broadening a bit

Your son sounds terrific.

[SophiesDog]

No fair point. Maybe normal isn't the right word! I will talk with him though.

[Ineedmorepatience]

@ zzzzz and "Utterly unremarkable!"

That is hilarious!

We also embrace weird and different in my house and circle of friends! I hardly mix with any "Ordinary" people! When we do we definitely give the message that different is cool.

It is hard for our kids in school and they take lots of knocks and put downs, so its important that we make them proud of who they are.

Good luck