Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Twice Exceptional PDD-NOS/ODD/Depression Diagnosis in 6-year-old

Hi, we have a recommendation of speech therapy and social skills training for our ds9, diagnosed with depression, and a sort of vague ld having to do with processing speed (where he knows stuff but takes a long time when answering questions, rather than taking a long time learning stuff).
Anyway, to the point of expressing feelings better, this might be crossed wires with what the dr. suggested - I would expect the social skills training would be where the better expression of feelings would come from, primarily.
As for not noticing speech delays/issues, my son has a couple of articulation issues which frankly I didn't really notice much until they were pointed out. Apparently they bother him, however.

Fyi, we have tried professional social skills training with licensed social workers and had some good results, and hope that ds will continue to build on this progress, with our continued support of better habits.
On the flip side, we tried to get speech therapy via the school and were told they couldn't tell ds had any issue at all, after casual observation. I had to send a couple emails before they would even send home copies of word lists to practice. This was the end of last year, I figured it would work better to try again this fall.

The depression was said to be resulting from social isolation due to the social awkwardness. Since he is making progress socially, his mood is improving, he is more resilient, especially now we are back in the habit of making sure he gets a LOT of exercise. Still sort of holding our breath on this, as you might imagine.
Did her dr. suggest a link between learning social skills and improved mood for her son?

Your situation and my friend's sound similar in some ways, chris1234. Thanks for sharing.

My friend says the doctor believes her ds6 may be depressed because he is starting to notice he is different. My friend says she knows her ds is aware that he is behind in some motor skills and is not as good in sports as others. He also seems to want to make friends but is not really sure how to go about doing so. My friend is really hoping the social skills class will help.

The doctor did indicate she thought the depression would improve if he made some positive strides in other areas.