Changing schools—how to tell DS?

[Anonymous]

DS8 will be switching schools next year to another neighborhood school with a better rep for special needs. (DS has ADHD, and possible ASD.) We are sad about this as we really love our school community, but can't face another year of trying to get services.

We are struggling with how to tell DS—he will be really sad. He knows about ADHD, but isn't very reflective, so I'm not sure if we will understand "we think it will be a better fit for your learning style." I don't know how much he perceives himself as different (although he is). He has no close friends at the school—the kids he will probably miss the most (like the girl he has a crush on) are not kids we would likely have over for a playdate, etc.

Any thoughts from those that have BTDT? Things you wish you would have done differently?