Reluctant Loners

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Of course, while the groups can change behavior, they are not intended to change a kid's underlying personality. Alexander is in many ways still an unusually gentle, quiet kid who says he prefers low-key celebrations of his birthday to large parties with lots of kids. But Peer Play Groups, which he says "helped me so much" and which he has no immediate plans to leave, has enabled him to feel more comfortable in social settings--and more willing to take the risks required for developing closer friendships. At lunch recently, Alexander chatted easily with his buddies about the cello piece he performed for the school talent show. "I was talking about some things I did well and other things I didn't do so well," he says. And that was something everyone could relate to.