Will it help to take my 15 year old for social skill therapy

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He was diagnosed as PDD-NOS, but, except for an early speech delay, this kid is more Aspie. He is eager to make friends and is starting to reach out for the first time. Unfortunately, he two school friends are usually unavailable to do anything. He is willing to ride his bike miles to get to their houses, but they can never do anything (and it's not due to his Aspergers...one is a girl from his long time special ed class and the other is another Aspie...their parents just don't let them do much). L. can "pass" and, if you ask him, is pretty happy the way he is (he does get depressed some times, but claims it isn't bad and goes away fast). There is an Autism Center near us that does group social skills classes for Aspies. I'm thinking of taking him. They also have ASD therapists the can explain ASD to him far better than I can.
What do you think, Aspies? I want my son to learn how to make friends better--I think it will make him happier--but, at the same time, I am very accepting of the wonderful young man he is. Ideas?

I doubt it could do any harm and by your description it sounds like your lad himself will soon tell you if it is helpful or a waist of time.

I'd say go for it.

I don't see the problem in encouraging him to try it out.

Tbh, I think a lot of NT teenagers would benefit from social skills classes.

At the risk of sounding like my grandma, I see so many young people nowadays who haven't got a clue about appropriate social interaction.

They all need to learn the difference between how to appropriately interact with their peers, with older relatives and people generally, how to interact with people in authority such as college and university tutors, prospective bosses at interview and in the workplace, police and so on.

So many teenagers nowadays seem not to have a clue about appropriate forms of address, language, tone (casual and formal and respectful).

p.s. I'm not sure that it's so much a matter of trying to make him NT or whatever, it's more an appreciation of different contexts and learning how society works.

After that, it's up to him if he wants to try to tow the NT line.

Knowledge is power.

E.g. if he wants a job, it's up to him as to whether he wants to go along and try to make a bit of small talk as an introduction, gain and maintain eye contact, shake hands and so on. Or maybe find a sympathetic employer who doesn't care about those social niceties so long as they can perform the task to the required level.

It's all about knowing what other people's expectations are. If a person decides not to, that's their prerogative, but then at least they've made that decision, they've taken control, as opposed to going along for interview after interview and not getting offered jobs.

Yes, let go to the social skills classes, if nothing else it will offer him an opportunity to meet people and perhaps make friends.

I have often thought I needed an intensive course in social skills. At almost 44, however, it may be a bit too late. However, 15 may just be the perfect time.

It could definitely help.