Thank you for sharing your experience. This has give me a lot to think about. Parents mean well (usually), but sometimes they mess up, even when they think they are doing the right thing. He does currently have an IEP or whatever its called that helps him with some accommodations... lately Ive noticed he's taken the option to record his presentation at home for the teacher. When I listen to his recordings, he sounds great! He's alone in his room when he makes them. But yeah - he used to just do the class presentation. And with the friends thing, you are so right. It's a really delicate topic, because I don't want him to ever think I'm disappointed in him for not having more friends. He's most certainly not a loser and you aren't either! Just a kid trying to navigate his life with some cards stacked against him. I do worry about the future for him. He will most likely be reluctant to get a job, talk to girls/women, network, etc. All the things that comes in adulthood that requires speaking. And I obviously don't want that for him. :(