Indifference and lack of socialization in 8 year old

[Houston9]

My 8 year old son seems so indifferent.  He always gets straight 'A's in school but every week he gets a bad check for not following directions or using his time effectively.  He doesn't seem to really have any friends and hates going outside to play.  He prefers to just read or play on the computer or with one of the video game systems.  He is very loving to me(Mom) but isn't really an emotional child.  He doesn't get upset if he gets punished, doesn't seem to care if he plays with just my nephew or alone, he won't join any sports and just gets so mad if his brothers (2 & 4) bother him or touch his things.  He seems content, but it concerns me he doesn't have any friends and doesn't care what people think.  Sometimes when he is in trouble, he just tells me it's not his fault, his brain is just jumbled inside and it makes him bad sometimes.  I don't know if this is just a passing phase or if I should try to find a therapist for him.

[Sandman2]

   Make sure you have told your Doctors what you have told us.  Also how does his school teacher feel?  We are not talking about grades or intelligence.  How does she compare him to the other children in terms of sociability?  Does she see him responding to other children, or does he ignore them completely?  Does he get bad checks for doing something impulsively or seemingly not thinking about his action, or because he wants to follow his own directions?
   It is the "indifferent" part that bothers me.  It is true that bright kids will learn how to make statements such has "that doesn't bother me", because they have learned that the adult response will be in their favor.  And it is possible that he is just very bright and is not interested in the other kids.  Still ...bright kids usually will find other bright kids to get into trouble or fun with.
   I would think that your Doctor has a survey that both you and your childs's teacher can take that might help him decide what is going on.
   Good Luck

[Houston9]

About a year ago, I asked his pediatrician about his behavior and he felt there was no issue as my son is ahead on all of the charts for milestones and 'boys are just moody sometimes'.  Not feeling satisfied with the response; I looked up child psychiatrists and made an appointment.  When we went; he tried to talk to my son and my son just answered back with questions - so, how long have you been a doctor?  What are your qualifications?  How are you feeling?  etc..  He has an amazing vocabulary, he loves to learn big new words all of the time and needless to say; the doctor cancelled our follow up.  He is very logical in all of his decisions and sometimes I wonder if he is learning too much too fast and that gives him a headache which he is confusing with a 'jumbled brain'?  
Sorry to drag on - I will try another round of doctor's opinions and maybe since a year has passed he will be more open to therapy.  He really is an amazing boy and I love him so much and am just concerned he may need help I am not getting him.  I don't want him to feel upset or unhappy.

[Sandman2]

I agree with jdtm.  This is worth getting check out by a psychologist.  I can think of a couple of things that could be going on with him.  All of them will get better with early attention.  

[jdtm]

Sometimes when he is in trouble, he just tells me it's not his fault, his brain is just jumbled inside and it makes him bad sometimes  -  your words


This statement bothers me.  I might suggest you speak to your son's doctor about this point and see what he/she feels the issue might be.  Any other suggestions .....