<p>I think that this thread brings up such an interesting question about whether it is better to “mainstream” kids like this and try to confront them with the “real world”, or whether it is better to put them into a situation that is tailored to their needs. This is still an unresolved question, as far as I can tell. The OP chose not to “mainstream” her son from sixth grade until now, and is confronted with the idea of him facing the “real world”. Which approach prepares students more appropriately for independence as adults? This discussion about the roommate is just a piece of this…but is it better for him to have a roommate to learn how to deal with this, or is it better to protect him from being annoyed and have this annoyance get in the way of the college experience, as MidwestMom has pointed out will undoubtedly happen?
I don’t have the answer, but I am just opening up the question.
I do think, however, that the OP’s son is so high-functioning that he can learn many of the social skills that he has not yet acquired. This will help him in life much more than anything else.</p>