How can I help my socially immature, 17 year old son.?

Question

He has no friends (or no true, good friend) -- he has a genetic disorder which causes him to have a learning disability with some slight language/communication difficulties. I'm already worried about college - he is just starting his senior year.

Answer 1

He must be a genious on the inside...

Answer 2

Perhaps you should talk to a psychiatrist about this. They might give you some pointers.

Answer 3

Try to get him involved with a social group where there are similar people. Try to get all your friends talking to him using open questions where he cannot just answer yes or no or give one word answers. Maybe have a word with the staff at the college as there will be SEN trained staff who are trained to deal with people with specific needs.

Answer 4

Well... have him participate in things he likes to do, have him join clubs and whatever else. Good friends are hard to find but if you sign him up in clubs in things he enjoys than that should help him develop and give him the chance to share what he enjoys with other people.

Answer 5

have him work with a psychologist to improve social skills and also ask about social groups for teenagers like him, because then hes in a group setting with kids that are definitely more non-judgemental.

also, in college there are plenty of college programs that will have kids with learning disabilities so he wont be alone, and kids just become more open-minded at that age so he wont have such a hard time adjusting.

Answer 6

Sign him up for the youth group at church.

Make him take a class at YMCA

Invite one of the neighborhood boys over for cake (or some other kind of bribe ;)  )

Does he talk at home? If not, maybe you should try practicing "small talk" with him.

And is it his speech or just his personality?