Your autistic child could learn from a "mentor" his age who is typically developing, according to a successful program in Michigan:

Officials with the Michigan Association of School Boards honored students and staff at Saginaw Township Community Schools for their work with autistic children.

The Lansing-based association recognized the school system Monday for The Kids Need Opportunities To Socialize initiative by awarding them a 2008 Michigan's Best Award.

The initiative pairs general education students with peers who have autism and other impairments. Autistic children have several mentors who help them in class or eat lunch with them.

Does your school have a program like this? Would it work?