Yes, we worked very hard with ds9 over this last summer to get him some 'social skills training', because he was sad about the whole 'not fitting in' thing, as were we. This was a result of different interests, a tendency to go into great detail on things he cares about but to tune out when others are talking about their interests, that sort of thing.
While he is not completely Mr. Suave overnight, I have seen some improvement, we are focusing on having friends over much more often and I think he is beginning to see himself that there is improvement. The other day we went to boy scouts and someone ds has been lukewarm about just came running over and said 'Awesome! Hi!' to ds, I said 'Gee that's the second time that boy has been so enthusiastic to see you, I really think you ought to give him a chance...well, turns out they both really like Bionicles, this guy picked ds as his hiking buddy right away, and was just enthusiastic and fun; interested in sticks and bugs, etc. So, while all along I've been thinking ds is being rejected, somewhat it has been a reluctance on ds' side for making connections...
