Social skills, please advise

[Goldchilled7up]

Ds is 4 and in reception. Being one if the youngest in the class (younger boy) he has been having problems with social skills and I don't know how to help him.

He doesn't know how to play with other children, and when he tries he forces himself to much on others, getting the other kids to reject him. All of these has been noticed by the teacher who is trying to help.

Although he is happy going to school, he seems to be quite stressed. He has no reason to be stressed at home, I can only assume that it's because of this problem at school. He keeps touching and twisting his ears all day long non stop, he keeps grinding his teeth at night, amongst other things that are clearly stress related.

Both his dad and me were quite sociable at school, but we didn't start until we were almost 7 (Europe) so we don't really know how to help him.

Any advice is kindly appreciated.

I think you should see your Health Visitor or GP and consider having your DS assessed in case there is some issue with hearing or with the way he's interacting in general. My DD was assessed for Aspergers at this age. Due to social difficulty. She was found not to be on the Autistic spectrum....but I am glad we looked into it as if she WAS then we could have had help.

Thank you, I'll speak to the GP. That was an initial thought I had, but from googling besides the social skills, he doesn't seem to have any other common symptoms. I'll have him checked anyway. Thanks

The ear twisting and teeth grinding could potentially be symptoms...I don't want to freak you out of course...but that kinds of behaviour can be seen as "stimming".

Suggestions from me:

Lots of playdates/people invited back for tea
There are lots of books you can get via amazon to read with your child
Speak to the SENCO at your school (with reception teacher) - do they use the PALS scheme for example
Your teacher can help with circle time/encouraging friendships and involving your child
How are they in the playground?

www.palsprogram.co.uk/

Msuptight I'll speak to a GP just in case, thank you.

Jellytotsforme I'm not sure how its like on the playground, I assume its the same. I'll ask the school about the programme. Thank you for the link, it seems great.

I spoke to the teacher again, and she has no concerns apart from the social skills. He's doing very well academically.