We started our Aspie in kindergarten when he was 6. He is now 14 and thriving in 8th grade. I am soooo glad we waited. That extra year of readiness was huge for him and has continued to benefit him all these years later.

I held my son back a year because he was clearly no ready. We were fortunate enough to find a preschool program for kids with special needs. I'm so glad i started him a year late and the age difference has never been an issue.

What is the teacher:student ratio in the special ed preschool vs. kindergarten? The one my daughter has been in has 8 kids and 4 teachers (the lead teacher and 3 assistants). The kindergarten special ed classes that are being considered for my DD in the fall have either 12 (for the autism class) or 15 (for the language delay class) with 3 teachers. There are pros and cons to each of the potential placements so I can definitely sympathize with your dilemma.