[countrymel]

My friend's little boy (who is on the spectrum) was very poor at playing with others. A rather spiteful little bully who would utterly lose it if things stopped going his way, not afraid of lashing out physically, even to children much younger than he.

My DP (in a breathtaking example of 'un pc') often mentioned that it would be good when he got to school as the "Other kids will knock that out of him" - well obviously that didn't happen as schools on the whole are very good at intervening in the playground fisticuffs that our generation endured.

This lad was - as you describe your son, working hard against his own interests, and had few, if any, friends.

He now goes to see a psychologist (the 'play doctor' is what they call her) and the difference (along with medication) has been spectacular.

They role play, practice 'What should I do if I feel like this' and talk about all sorts of things. He is now so much better at playing with other children and has got several 'friends' this year. (even got asked on a sleep over which was a moment of great pride to his parents)

The difference to him, to the family, to his school experience and to the level of happiness of them all has been a joy to behold.