My 13 year old started secondary school this year. He's a young thirteen year old, both physically and emotionally, has ADHD and Dyspraxia, and is a typical smart, science nerd, gamer type kid. He has made a couple of good friends and has settled in well considering. He's not part of the popular gang, and is okay with that. He doesn't need to be best friends with everyone but would like to be generally liked and on friendly terms.
However, early on, one kid decided that he hated him. He is part of the popular group and my son thinks that he's turned everyone else except his few friends against him. My son will walk up to people and they'll tell him to go away or say eugh.
Now, my kid can be very chatty and unwittingly dominate conversations and he can get overwhelmed and have mini melt downs. So he may have acted in a way that might turn off other kids, but he's upset that other kids might hate him.
I'd like to know from parents of other teens if this is par for the course (as I've heard a few stories of kids having a tough time in secondary school) or is it bullying and we need to chat to the school? I'm also aware that involving the school can be a poisoned chalice.
Any words from parents who might have experienced the same is very welcome.