What you need to know
Many social and behavioral symptoms in KS may be related to language and learning difficulties. Language difficulties may inhibit social interactions as the boys may have difficulty expressing feelings.
Boys with KS may be:
- Quieter/shy
- Less assertive or self-confident, or immature
- Sensitive
- Delayed in social skills
- Anxious or depressed
- Restless
- Less physically active
- More helpful and eager to please
Teenage years:
- Teenage boys may notice differences between them and other boys.
- They are at risk for depression, substance abuse, behavior problems.
- They may feel withdrawn and/or sad.
- They are no more likely to have serious psychiatric disorders or get in trouble with the law.
What you can do
- Support healthy emotional and behavioral development
- Teach self-talk to help child develop self-control. Use specific, short phrases such as “stop and think.”
- Give directions one-step at a time. Wait for the child to do the first step in the directions before telling the child the second step
- Assist with social skill development
- Teach basic rules of social behavior
- Model, rehearse, and practice and provide feedback
- Support development of self-esteem
- Find out what activities are meaningful to the child and help them join in. For example, encourage child to participate in sports, clubs or other structured activities
- Make sure language supports are in place to help with social development
- Monitor emotional and behavioral health and refer as necessary.
- Learn how to tell when child is getting frustrated and help out early
- If the child has anxiety and depression:
- Medication and or counseling may be helpful