Ready for Kindergarten?

[Guest guest]

I'm a new member, first-time post. Give me a couple minutes to get to

my question, here's our story. My son was diagnosed with AS in

February of this year. We tested through local school system and

local Childrens Hospital(we're in Nashville TN). Both came up with

the same diagnosis. My son is " mild " AS; extremely verbal, above-avg.

to superior level IQ.

Here's my concern: my son turned 5 at the end of May. We had been in

a preschool setting that went to PreK-4. If there had been a 5 yr.old

program, it would have been a no-brainer. I would have kept him there

for another year because all the stuff I read says AS kids are

typically 2-3 years behing their peers in social and emotional

maturity. I feel like the local school system has pushed me into

starting Kindergarten (we just started 2 weeks ago). His preschool

teacher felt that he wasn't ready; maybe he could make it if he had an

aid (we didn't get one. He's mainstream, 1:18 ratio). He has trouble

staying on task, focusing, etc. Earlier this year, I went on the

waiting list for a therapeutic preschool that goes to age 5. They

specialize in special needs inclusion. Well, they just called me and

they have an opening. I would need to suspend my IEP for a year, and

just pay out-of-pocket for this school. My son would be the oldest in

the class. Ratio is 1:10; there are currently 5 students in the class

and all are typically developing. Class can/will grow to 10 students.

My gut says pull him out of public school and give him another year to

work on peer play and social skills. Does anyone have experience with

this? I'd love your feedback. Thanks, Gaye