It's reassuring that your son has friends. Often I hear from parents whose kids are on their own dealing with exclusion from peers. That this isn't the case with your son is a blessing. Believe me! What's also positive is the fact that your son has stayed true to these "misfit" friends of his. Too often, a child in your son's position might deduce that his social situation would improve if he ditched them. And, in truth, that might be the case, but at what cost? If he jettisons his friends in order to gain social acceptance from the wider population, how would he feel, deep down, about himself for doing it? Wouldn't that, in fact, make him guilty of the treatment that he is suffering from. I would suggest that you talk to him about the concept of "pecking order" and the injustice of it. Talk to him also about self-respect in doing the right thing (ie, being a good friend) in spite of being shunned. I would also suggest that you use some of his interests to guide him toward after school (and out of school) opportunities to meet other kids. This will open up worlds of possibilities for him to forge new friendships.

I hope this helps!

In friendship,
Annie