My child doesn't have any friends in her class (Leesburg: renting, daycare)

[MommyVP]

Hi everyone,


My child is 7 and she has a learning disability (Auditorial processing disability). She's super shy and quiet but at home she's a fun happy bubbly kid. She came to me yesterday crying telling me that no one will play or talk to her in class. Her teacher tells me that she's always by herself during recess and she cannot participate in group activities because she's unable to do so and no one would be her partner. Please help! is there a program out there for kids like this or is there something I can do to help her or say to her? thank you for any advice.

[Flamingo13]

This thread might be helpful: http://www.city-data.com/forum/special-needs-children/

[choff5]

I would start by talking with her school counselor. He/she may be able to give you some insight plus the counselor may have some friendship groups or lunch bunches where she could practice social skills. Or the counselor could give you various resources to read or referrals to various private agencies that offer groups and on social skills.

[Vectorhead]

You would probably get a lot more advice if you posted this in the Parenting forum.

[johnsonkk]

One angle is to go to birthday parties. Usually on weekends, there is opportunities for impromptu friend networks.

Also a couple other locations to make quick friends that may pan out for other events is first meeting kids at one of the following places: big playgrounds where dozens of kids are playing. The big ones that are really nice have way more kids.

Daycare at the gym. Lots of kids there that may be more apt to play vs at school where there already might be cliques.

The pizza place that has LOTS of games. Not sure at 7 but still might be option.

Last idea is to sign up for extra classes at the engineering school, gymnastics, or other school learning centers; there is even one for art and drawing which highly likely be open to new " students".

[mlv311]

Agree with the recommendation of seeking advice from the school counselor. Also, if she receives speech therapy at school or privately, they can help her role play social situations to initiate play or participate in groups.

[cdmurphy]

Originally Posted by choff5

I would start by talking with her school counselor. He/she may be able to give you some insight plus the counselor may have some friendship groups or lunch bunches where she could practice social skills. Or the counselor could give you various resources to read or referrals to various private agencies that offer groups and on social skills.

These are great ideas. My kids' school has weekly "lunch bunch" groups with the counselors on different topics (stress, making friends, etc.). Each group is small and meets throughout a set number of weeks. Both of my kids have done them and have enjoyed them. Their school is large and the cafeteria is so noisy and intimidating...it is nice even just for one day to have a quiet small-group lunch with other kids who may be dealing with the same kinds of social anxiety.

[dkf747]

What is Auditorial Processing Disability? Naturally, I wonder because I'm Deaf. Does she have problems communicating with other kids ebecauseeveryone she can't hear or is this something else?

[mlv311]

Originally Posted by dkf747

What is Auditorial Processing Disability? Naturally, I wonder because I'm Deaf. Does she have problems communicating with other kids ebecauseeveryone she can't hear or is this something else?

.

Dkf747: I am not the OP, but have a child with APD. Hearing is normal but he has difficulty understanding speech and distinguishing between similar sounds, particularly in noisy environments.

[NC211]

Oh man, that must be very frustrating for you and especially the child. Kind of like maybe living in a place that speaks a different language than you?


OP, if you're in Leesburg, we have a great and safe neighborhood where your daughter would be warmly welcomed to come play with the kids! We have a squadron of 15 within a 4-house radius of us.


Best!