The social lives of our kids: When to worry, when to let go

Many families worry about their kids’ social lives. But when your child has a learning difference, you might worry even more. What happens when you realize that what looks like loneliness to you is actually not loneliness for your child?  

In this episode, hosts Rachel Bozek and Gretchen Vierstra talk with Ellen, a mom of three kids ages 11 to 16. Ellen shares the story of her son, a high-schooler who has a nonverbal learning disability (NVLD) and written expression disorder. Hear Ellen talk about why she always worried about her son’s social life. And find out how she stopped worrying and learned to let her son have the kind of social life that works best for him.  

To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.  

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Related resources

• My child likes being alone. Does this mean he’s lonely?
• What to do if your grade-schooler is lonely
• What to do if your teen or tween is lonely
• What are nonverbal learning disabilities?
• What is written expression disorder?

Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give