8 Year old Can't make friends

My son is 8 year old (only child), and he can not make friends. If he finds one to play with then he becomes bossy, and sometime teases them (I think to gain attention). In August when he went to 2nd grade, he couldn't find anyone as a friend in his class. He wants to be with one of his old friend, but that boy doesn't want to be his friend anymore. This is bothering my son, and he is complaining about feeling lonely. He is now reacting aggressive and angry in school (most likely bcoz his friend is not playing with him). Also Counselor told us that the other kids said that their parents told them not to play with my son.

What should we do, we are very much concerned, and depressed? Now he starts hitting people if they are not playign with him, or don't want him to be part of their play.

[JonJonsMom]

It might be hard to hear, but I would have him evaluated by a therapist of some sort.  They may be able to shed some light on why the other kids do not want to play w/him.  If they don't want to play w/him there may be something in his behavior w/them that they are uncomfortable with.  And he could benefit greatly from seeing a therapist.  Not only to help him deal w/this but also to find ways to integrate w/the other kids & interact in a more positive way.  I would think it would be good to begin this sooner rather than later as he sounds like he is suffering from the rejection he's getting.  I wish you the best of luck & hope for a positive outcome for your son.