How do you help a 15 year old boy who had a histiry of SC difficulties feel less intimidated by the more vocal(often bulshy) peers?

[andisa]

My son has a statement for social communication difficulties. He has not really needed any ISA help since Year 5 but still feels intimidated socially by the more out spoken Year 11 peers - even to the point after an unpleasant incident of mostly withdrawing at break times and going to the Special needs social area, something he only did in Year 3.

He has a set of friends since reception, some of whom criticise him a bit too much ( perhaps taking advantage) and my son gets very upset.

We have always taken him to social groups, at the moment it is being part of a football team as he is sociable but lacks confidence and feels hurt /sensitive easily.

Anyone been there? How do we best support his self esteem ( confidence) and social development in 6th form when there is a chance to make new friends?

Praise and practise.

Always comment when he does something well.

Practise normal day-to-day situations - introducing himself to someone new, sustaining a conversation, etc.

Can you talk to the school about it? Are the other boys bullying him?

blimey thats a difficult one andisa
Has he got a hobby that he could perhaps join a whole new set of people at?
ds (aspergers) goes to a social skills group with other mostly aspie boys aged 14-17 which has helped him a lot...although ive noticed that he has become more scathing of nt peers who 'talk unintelligent rubbish' so not sure if it's actually helping
hope someone else has more helpful ideas

School are supportive. Andy does not want to name boys who make him feel uncomfortable so they just allow him space in their area when he feels low.

He seems to be improving and I agree to keep praising him for things he does well - we do, but need reminding!

A discussion about making new friends and how to might be a good step.

At moment of course, he has all the stress of GCSE deadlines/exams as well as volatile 15/16 year olds around which he finds more challenging to handle than some of his peers.

I suppose I am reassured by a peer who does not have SN who also finds the jostling of hormonal teen boys very challenging!

It is just we have been so supportive all the way through with positive reinforcement and at 15 he , while in many ways doing very well, lacks confidence around peers which is disappointing when he has always had the help. I suppose we just have to keep praising what we can and help him keep peers more forceful behaviour in proportion/perspective.