All we can do is to try our best to help them succeed in the world out there as it is. I have an 11 year old son, gifted in all subject matter, but with cerebral palsy that slows him down physically, mostly showing up in writing speed and in bilateral gross motor tasks. We use dragon software, and for everything else I just give him the time he needs and "let him fly", as you so aptly put it. My 10 yo daughter, like myself, lacks common sense in some contexts. We believe she may be an aspie, but she definitely has traits regardless. She is 2 years ahead in science, one in math (although she can complete graphs and algebraic and quadratic equations, which we practice sporadically), and can comprehend at the high school level in literature. Although she says she "hates reading", she writes fantastic books and enjoys listening to books on tape and perusing graphic novels. Both of my children have handwriting that amazes me, in a good way. I guess my opinion here is that we are raising little human beings and no two are alike. Trust your instinct in providing more guidance and structure for the second boy.