8 year old daughter's strange behavor

My 8 year old daughter behaves quite different from other normal kids of the same age. She got a heap of issues in her development.
- Shy in front of other people. Particular the adult. eg, She can't order a McDonald meal at the counter. Won't say hello, good bye to people.
- Reluctant or unwilling to say 'sorry' when she does something wrong and this will be bad in her social relationship. She lies and deny any wrong doings made.
- Unwilling to read (book) loudly, in particular in front of her parents.
- Teacher said she is not socialable at school but she likes to have friends. Her social teachnique is not good enough.

I am frustrated by her behavor. Any idea or suggestion can help?

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

First, it's important that you maintain your equanimity. There is no need for frustration - she is not engaged in wrongdoing and your frustration will convey to her your disapproval of her and your lack of acceptance. She is displaying either a shy temperament or a social anxiety disorder. The former isthe more likely possibility. Some children are by nature on the shy side and don't readily launch into social situations. The important thin is to keep her in the mix, so to speak, by having her participate in age-typical activities and pursuits. It would be prudent to arrange an evaluation with a pediatric mental health clinician to investigate the possibility of anxiety disorder.