We are going through some difficult time with Joey.  Despite all the progress that he has made, he still struggles in some ways.  The main problem is that there is a combination of the following;
- he is a bit immature
- he still does not read social cues correctly and can over-react
- will stand his ground and not back down or melt into the background
- he is incredibly energetic and never stops moving and finds it hard to keep still
-  he talks a lot
- he loves being with other kids and wants, wants so badly just to be accepted
- he is smart - enough to know that he has a problem
- he is smart in the sense that he is very sharp, good with words and his imagination means that he comes out with stuff that other kids can find weird - or he picks up on mistakes on what they say

The combination is a challenging one, and means that he is less and less sociably accepted at school.  Not completely ignored or disdained but just not really welcome in any of the groups.  Same with Chris and Jack here in the 'hood.  Anne sent the following email to his teacher this morning;

Joey had a really bad night yesterday. He was crying that the other kids all think he's annoying. That he doesn't want to be annoying and that he tries really hard to fit in. Sadly, I think it's probably all true. We're not really sure what to do at this point. We were prepared to let him stay at home today but he woke up in a pretty good mood and seemed to be putting a brave face on so we have sent him in. I am very worried about him and even though we'd love to see him at least get through the play, I don't want his self esteem to be completely destroyed if the social situation has deteriorated like he says.

If he seems to be struggling today let me know and I will come get him.

As Joey left the house for school this morning, Anne was in tears.  After a very hard day yesterday (which involved misbehavior on his part) he put on a very brave face this morning, shouting out of the car window that he loved Anne and Izzy and would be OK.  He did the same with me when I walked him part way to the school building from the car.  Lots of hugs, as if he was going into battle.

He started well today but something happened and he misbehaved or got into some sort of trouble again.  Nothing serious but it is simply hard work for his teachers (Ms H is a goddess) and annoying for the other kids.  My virtuous circle has been transformed into a vicious circle.

Hard to know what to do now.  We think now that Joey might have sensory disorder.  Too hard to explain now but it seems to fit him.  Main question now is do we encourage Joey to face up and finish the year or do we think that a 10 year old should be happy and do what needs to be done to ensure that?  Watch this space.