<p>I agree with Allmusic that changing the environment may not necessarily “fix” the problem; it is more important in the long run for the son to learn how to deal with situations such as bullying and teasing, and how to control his anger in general. Kids almost instinctively seem to know what buttons to push and will deliberately do so just to see the reaction of their victims. If your son learns how to control his reactions, the teasing and bullying may stop–especially as he goes into high school. My son who has mild Aspergers would also react to teasing and bullying with anger and the middle school years were especially difficult. But sometimes the change from middle school/jr high to high school is enough of a change that the bullying will stop. Kids do grow up during these years and become a little more sensitive or tolerant of differences in people. </p>
<p>When S moved on to high school, sometime during 9th grade everything seemed to turn around for him; he finally found his niche and began to form some very good friendships with kids with similar interests who also tolerated some of his less desirable traits and at the same time, S started to figure out ways to alter his behavior on his own, so that he would fit in better with his new friends. As a result everyone began seeing some of his more positive traits come out more and more (great sense of humor). In addition, through a combination of the classes he was taking (AP/IB) and a variety of less competitive ECs (band, debate, math team, Destination Imagination), he was no longer around the kids who had bullied him in the past so they “moved on” or just forgot about teasing him because their paths rarely crossed anymore.</p>
<p>I think working on social skills could be beneficial for your son. I especially like the idea of an older boy who could play the “soccer big brother.” This could be an excellent way to provide a “social” mentor/role model for a young teenager.</p>