Anyone with shy teenagers?

[Guest]

My 15 year old is painfully shy. To the point when at over 6tt he will try to hide behind me at 5ft1 when visiting family or friends. I have to talk for him or he whispers. He has few friends and rarely goes out anywhere without us apart from school

[Kayleigh]

I feel this is beyond being shy, and more likely to be anxiety. I recommend going to the GP and getting a referral to CAMHS.

[Charlotte]

Please google about Selective Mutism it is an anxiety disorder. Not many know about it, I only just found out about the disorder a few months ago and my daughter has so many signs. It is more than just being shy and it can last for years some grow out of it and some need help.

[Nicola]

That sounds like more than just being shy. I would say Social Anxiety and/or Autism.

[Heather]

My son has autism and is the same, he hates it when people talk to him. He won't answer back, he'll look at me as if to say "well are you going to answer for or what" he's fine with family but with people he doesn't know he becomes a mute.

[Tam]

My 14 year old is like this. He is autistic and finds social small talk difficult. He is much happier talking about shared interests. I've found some online groups based around his interests have been much more successful than in person as he doesn't have to do the social niceties and doesn't have sensory stuff to deal with.

[Lorraine]

It sounds like he has developed SM. You can do a self-referral to EWMHS or go to your GP. There are some brilliant SM support groups on here as well.
It’s not easy but he’ll get there with your help and support

[Karen]

My son is 16 and autistic he is just the same but we found out if you say his name first if you want to speak to him he will then speak to you we found he listens but doesn't realise they are taking to him unless they say his name if that makes sense

[Lisa]

My son is the same but he’s recently been diagnosed with autism. It’s awful to see it happen to your child x

[Stefanie]

I was going to the say the same, has he always been shy/anxious or recent things? Might be tricky getting him to try out new classes/groups as that sounds like his worst nightmare but in the long run I agree it would help

[Emma]

My children have done dance and now do karate - it has really helped with their confidence and shyness. Perhaps look into something to help x

[Evie]

My son is 17 and very shy. We are seeking an autism diagnosis. He's incredibly clever but really struggles socially. He will need support at university, we think.