Trying to explain your child's needs and differences to them is always a tough one and I think we've all struggled with that. I'm still struggling with it and my son is now 12.... we reached a point I stopped therapy and all classes for a while, for example, because he was identifying himself as someone who has things "wrong" with him, so he was "wrong" (and stupid and not worth anything etc etc etc.) Now I"ve started sneaking it back in again, the nutritional things I'm giving him are being described as needed because he's growing and his body is changing and he just needs a few extra things (if only to stop him getting acne!) We've gone back to swimming and gymnastics etc because he needs to be fit and active etc.

There is a point though where he will feel different, especially as he gets older and I think sometimes you have to be straight with them about their difficulties, BUT let them them see how EVERYONE has difficulties AND strengths and help them find and expand on their strengths. I tell him (as hysterically funny as I can) about things I can't do, things that his Dad can't do but also about each other's strengths. My son has joined Scouts and loves it and is doing quite well. He gets all the badges and is an assistant patrol leader...

I think I'd approach it through the "benefits" route, tell him how the new class and teachers will probably suit him better - maybe have a chat with the teachers about who he might know in those classes (from afterschool for example?) and tell him about that, perhaps talk to the afterschool carers and see if they can link him up with those kids. Remind him that he'll still be able to see his other friends in the playground. Anything you can tell the new teacher about his interests and strengths would be useful too.

All the best and let us know how it goes!