Are social skills groups beneficial?

[Guest guest]

My eight year old son was recently diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. He is

very verbal, although he talks mostly about plumbing, lighting, and heating

systems. He is aware enough to refrain from speaking with classmates about these

topics, as he realizes that typical kids are uninterested. I know that he

doesn't speak with any of his classmates at lunch time and he said that he

doesn't mind this at all; he would rather look at the pipes in the lunchroom.

I am wondering if I should find a social skills group for him. Are there

different kinds that address different needs? I'm not even sure what his needs

are. Does anyone have any positive or negative experiences with this? I

appreciate anyone's input. Thank you!