What this section is about
This includes literal thinking, vulnerability, unsafe friendships, social anxiety, bullying, conflict, rejection sensitivity and needing adult help to understand social situations.
Avoid saying
- They struggle with friends.
- They fall out a lot.
- They are dramatic.
Better ways to explain
- My child struggles to understand social cues and friendship boundaries.
- Literal thinking and emotional vulnerability make my child more at risk of bullying or manipulation.
- They need adult support to understand friendship issues and regulate after conflict.
Example wording
My child struggles with social understanding and friendship boundaries. They may take words literally, misunderstand jokes or sarcasm, become overwhelmed by changes in friendships and need adult help to process conflict. Friendship difficulties can lead to severe distress and emotional outbursts at home.
Evidence that helps
- School pastoral records
- Bullying records
- Behaviour logs
- Parent diary
- Messages from school
- Mental health support letters
Common mistakes
- Thinking friendship issues do not matter for
- Forgetting emotional aftermath
- Forgetting vulnerability
- Forgetting bullying
- Forgetting adult support needed after school
Part of the Bright Steps Ultimate Guide. For the full interactive walkthrough with printable templates, sign in and visit the DLA Guide.