"Dad, I don't have any friends at school... because of my Aspergers."

"Dad, I don't have any friends at school. I think it is because I am different because of my Aspergers."

It was a situation I knew one day we would face. We knew our oldest son Garren was different from a young age. He read really early and really well, he would talk nonstop about facts and figures of things he was interested in, and when with other children he was perfectly content playing independently. Once Garren started first grade we had confirmed that he had Aspergers.

Young kids were generally patient with his quirks and he had good friends at school that we were also friends with outside of school. Now he is facing more serious consequences in our new home in Arizona.

Last night Mom was at Homemaking and me and the kids were just sitting around the living room talking. Then Garren says, "Dad, I don't have any friends at school. I think it is because I am different because of my Aspergers." I didn't know what to say, and honestly would have cried if I opened my mouth. I just smiled at him.

I need some advice; how do I help my son gain the confidence in himself and create meaningful friendships at school?