DS9 not making friends at new school

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We recently moved DS9 to a new school (from state school in London to private school in the country) and he seems to be struggling to make friends.

He is a little quirky (has high-functioning autism) and does miss certain social cues and can say things that are a bit weird. But he’s also very friendly, kind, outgoing, does OK at school and sport etc and is into all the “in” things for boys that age (football, XBox, etc).

He seemed to settle into his new school well at first but today said that he didn’t have any friends and that the two boys he thought he had made friends with at the beginning don’t want to hang out with him any more.

Is anyone in/has been through a similar situation? Any advice at all? I would love a hand-hold as it was so heart-breaking to hear him say that he wasn’t happy.

How recently? He is probably still finding his feet.
any clubs he could join that his school friends also go to?

Scouting (and Guiding) is great for socialing many autistic children because there is a framework to the activities and interactions and it's less intimidating than totally open socialising. It broadens the range of children they meet and the chances of meeting other neurodiverse children is probably a bit higher than average.

@butternutbiscuits It’s only been 3 weeks so maybe I’m panicking too soon. He did seem to be getting on with a couple of boys but now says they don’t want to talk to him anymore 😥

I’m just feeling awful that maybe I did the wrong thing in moving him, as he did have friends in his old school.

I am going to look into some outside school clubs too. Scouts is a good idea, he likes outdoorsy stuff, thanks @BogRollBOGOF - I will see if there’s one nearby.

In my experience the first few weeks at a new school are usually ok as the new person is interesting and exciting and the other kids make an effort.
After that you get a few weeks where they have to work harder to fit into established friendships. Further down the line, they find their people and just become part of the group.
He may need to give it time. I’d wait a bit and then speak to his teacher if things haven’t improved.

The first few weeks at a new school can be rough for any DC, I think, and it's easy for them to miss their old friends, old school and just feel a bit lonely. Both my DC felt this way when they started new schools and they're both friendly DC who had plenty of friends at their old schools. It takes time to settle in, get to know people, and from my own experience I'd say that the people you initially make friends with at any new place are often not the ones who become good friends down the line.

I'd let his form teacher know that he's struggling a bit at the moment, but encourage him to keep an open mind and talk to/play with a range of kids so he can get to know everyone and figure out who he gets on well with.