Thanks green lotus and Ivy, DS does do some extension programs over school holidays and occasionally on a term weekend, and he does seem to be able to find a friend for the day, and I know he does have some friends at school. I guess it is hard too, when I know he is at school so many hours a day, to picture him feeling uncomfortable or left out.
I remember being a bit socially awkward myself, but I had a couple close friends over the years, and that was enough for me to satisfy my friend needs. I hope he will find one or two kids to get on well with, and then I think he should be okay.
That mental picture of his eager face and then being blanked is still hard to take though.
Thanks again for listening and sharing, it really does help.
