I have a similar experience with my son however, he has no friends to speak of. He has Auditory processing issues, so he really hates loud shouting and finds it very hard to concentrate when there is alot of talking going on. Because of his problems and because we live on a small island where there is no other choice, I took him out of school and he homeschools which he is very happy doing but therefore has very little interaction with other kids his age. He is a great kid, and adults love him, he is intelligent but not the "coolest kid on the block". One thing I recognised from your note was that maybe you are more upset about him not having friends more than he is. I feel exactly the same but tell myself that everybody looks for different things in life and maybe he does not want the kind of friendships for himself that you want. Does he pick up the social queues about hanging out with the other kids?? Have you tried talking to their parents? Maybe he is too old for that. If his only friend is a girl, so be it. I am sure he will make a few good friends in his own time. I really believe, that as his peer group get older and wiser, your son will find more people that appreciate him for who he is. Hope this is in some way encouraging if not helpful but you are by no means alone with these worries and heartaches.,

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Therapists know better.are specalized to help the kids and us as well. I know how you feel because my son has a similar case, and now we started the ADHD meds and also started coaching for him to have a better social life! Good luck!

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Hello...you havent' said if this is a change in behavior for your son. I do understand his clinginess, and it makes it even more understandable since your husband is in the military and was previously deployed. That said, I'm not sure your son really is having a problem? I have a 16 yo son who doesn't like leaving home often. He has great friends, hosts parties, attends events, but wasn't ever a big fan of sleep overs. Sometimes we'd get a call around 11 p.m. that he "felt sick" and had to be picked up - even from his best friend's house! When he was younger, his closest friends were girls. He preferred the quieter, less athletic atmosphere around girls. He's an artist, by the way, and has never been athletic, although he is active. It's possible your son is an introvert, and prefers to spend some time alone. Since you say he has friends, is invited to parties, and has friends visit your home, I don't think I'd make a big issue of him not joining the guys all the time. This may gradually change as he matures, or it may not. My son has more female friends than guy friends, and those male friends he has go way back to elementary school - the ones who understand his quirks. Unless this is upsetting your son, I think I'd let it go, and play up the positive.

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