Hi Jool,
Yippee!!!!!
I hope this helps with the school situation. You can start researching the private schools now as see if you would want them if YSP could help financially. Although given the laws in PA it seems a shame to get chased out of the public system if you can avoid it.
We didn't explain much to DS11, but I did arrange some playdates with other boys in the program, and when we went to visit I told him about how I found the other boys.
Since your son is identified at school, does he have other kids who are also identified who do certian classes with him? That might influence how you frame it.
Another thing you can do right away is to start telling stories about other kids that you've heard about here and on the email lists through Davidson. You can ask your son for advice to tell the other moms. This give a great window into your own child's thought processes. I also refered to the organization when I found a book or resource that my son particularly enjoyed via these groups. So he would know that he isn't alone even if he is sort of rare locally.
In general, the less said the better - think of YSP as something for you 51 weeks a year, and for the child the one week of the Gathering.
Smiles,
Grinity
