He also is very sensitive to light and sound and textures of food and it was recommended I bring him to sensory processing therapy. Anyone have experience with this with a perfectionistic young boy who isn't likely to willingly participate?
Welcome Amy - it seems like all you can do is try. My son enjoyed OT very much, and we saw big results. I think your son probably will participate if the individual person he is interacting with is a good match. For my son, that meant someone who was willing to talk to him in as one would to a grown up - not the sing-song voice, and someone imaginative to treat him as a thinking person even though he was not always so easy to understand.
As for friendships - try to attend your state gifted association meetings and troll for experienced moms with an age-range of kids. Be ready to take phone numbers and follow up leads. Check your local library - and leave your name if the librian is willing to 'fix you up' with a child with similar interests. It's easier to say 'My child is reading Magic Tree House books or loves codes and mazes or is really talkative with a big vocabulary' than to say 'my child is unusually gifted' out in the world, so think a bit for specific behaviors you can use to drop the hint without sounding braggy.
Clubs that cater to people of all ages with a specific interest also can work well - chess, weather, reptiles are classics. If you have any local museams or universities get to know the staff, and ask them to fix you up as well.
Someone will know someone who knows someone, right?
If all else fails - you can start a book club at the local library for 3-5s who are reading. Even if the club never comes together, just placing the flyer with your phone number might get you a few leads.
If you are willing to travel there are weekend long events were you can met other gifted families.
Let us know what works for you!
Grinity
