Have you had a chance to visit the program that you're considering? Meet the teachers?

Would the school make it difficult for your son to return to his current program if it turns out he's unhappy in the new one?

I'm not a parent (yet), but I was in my district's G&T program from grade one. I loved it. I was bored in my regular classes, and I was not very popular for constantly "showing up" my regular classmates. I'm actually a very shy person who doesn't like attention, but I don't think the teachers knew how to handle that dynamic. I would get put on the spot a lot. Being the only Asian kid in the class didn't help, either.

My G&T program was excellent -- it gave me a safe place to explore my interests. I think I would have been completely miserable without it.

The program was structured so that I was in regular school most of the time, and would step out of the regular schedule to do G&T program stuff once a week during grade school and then it was maybe 1-2 times a month in jr. high and high school.

Sounds like the program that your school district is offering is a completely separate program, building, etc. If that's a concern, maybe there are outside activities that could be another social avenue for him. The points above about being an introvert are well taken, though. There's nothing wrong with being an introvert. So what if we're not social butterflies? We can still form deep, meaningful friendships and relationships. And I would rather be comfortable in solitude than insecure when I'm spending time alone.

As for the social awkwardness, I think that's just part of life and part of growing up. My parents and teachers were not equipped to make that path any smoother for me. You can't protect your kids from everything, but I think as a concerned parent you can support and guide them through experiences that will eventually help them develop into strong, sensitive, and confident adults.

One final point, about this illness that you mentioned -- it sounds like you're concerned that in the aftermath your son might have trouble fully participating in either program he's in? Again, discuss it with the teachers and those who are planning the curriculum.

side note: Where I grew up in Pennsylvania, we had to write an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) every year to participate in our G&T program. This was a requirement to participate in any special needs curricula in public schools, whether in my case it was enrichment, or maybe for another kid it might have been overcoming dyslexia or some other learning disability. I have since learned that in a lot of other states, an IEP is typically associated with special ed/learning disabilities programs.

What does your state require/offer for kids that have your son's special abilities? It may be a pain, but spending a little time learning about the resources available in your community may help you figure out the best way to advocate for your son's needs.