Ways to improve social confidence and reduce social anxiety

[Joyous Box]

Hi parents,


I am new to this forum and wanted to connect up with parents whose kids might hv SM, social anxiety, HFA, HSC, super shy, quiet etc.....

I am also hoping to set up playdates for my 8 yo son (undiagnosed), who is a quiet HSC (Highly Sensitive Child), doing well in school but unable to make any \"real\" friends. He fears speaking up to kids around his age but is highly motivated and willing to have social engagement with support.

Hoping to share and learn with you all!

Please let me know if your child is keen to connect up, we can arrange playdates together

[alisterconflicts]

Unfortunately, almost every child faces social anxiety.

[Cindersan]

Can recommend more affordable social skill class. My son 11 years old and I am concerning that he doesn’t seem have friends in class. Try reach out Austism recovery network, cost is 70 and attend for 3 hours weekly that total cost is rather high

[sharonkhoo]

Cindersan\" post_id=\"2082578\" time=\"1663459083\" user_id=\"135719:

Can recommend more affordable social skill class. My son 11 years old and I am concerning that he doesn’t seem have friends in class. Try reach out Austism recovery network, cost is 70 and attend for 3 hours weekly that total cost is rather high

You could try a few sessions just to get the basics? Maybe the year-end school holidays may be a good time to try. After that, you can use what has been learnt to practise with him?

For practise, you can first role-play common situations with him, then also arrange for him to have time to try out things with classmates, family friends, etc. And have debriefs and trouble-shooting after every session, until he seems to have internalised things.

As for friends, it can be hard because other kids are not always kind - even if they don't make fun or bully, they may not go out of their way to accommodate someone who is not as \"normal\". That, unfortunately, is a fact of life. If your son is lucky, some of the kinder ones will at least accommodate a bit and include him, but have a \"best friend\" - well, my adult daughter has never had one.

[zac's mum]

Following the further relaxation of SMM in schools, the kids are now back to sitting in pairs. Has your son mentioned who is his fellow seatmate, and is that seatmate helpful & kind towards him? If so, maybe can try to arrange with the parents for some fun hobby activities at home together, supervised & guided at this point, of course.

[Cindersan]

Thanks for suggestions for role play. Something that we can start with.