Take an honest look at your child. Be frank about what your expectations are for him. Rate him against other children his age. If you are seeing a child who is not motivated, has no work ethic, and is simply not doing his very best, then special ed is not the answer. Neither are excuses and explanations. If you find you are protecting your child from success by allowing him to fall behind and by indulging his unwillingness to push himself, you may want to talk to a psychologist or therapist who specializes in family problems. Often, it is the children who demonstrate to the public an underlying and well-hidden problem within the family that could be sorted out with just a little help and a sincere effort. Special Education cannot do that for you.
If, however, you believe that you are seeing a true disability, then waste no time in following the path outlined above to access the special help he needs for success.