First thanks for being detailed in your question!

This is a very good question that most will face at sometime. First based on the fact that your developmental pediatrician recommended that he attend a neurotypical day care PART-TIME I would really take that to heed. Other than you, he probably has a very good idea of what's going on and would only recommend that if he thought it was in the child's best interest. Again this is PART-TIME. The school you mention sounds pretty willing to help also. A big plus. I assume that the therapies, especially the ABA would continue (at the therapist's location). Neurotypical children, I feel, can offer the best (peer) based therapy/interaction that I feel if often discounted especially by therapists. These little kids will challenge in actions/language/behavior that kids in special pre-schools just cannot do. Bottom line (1) do what you feel is best (2) listen to your developmental ped. And just remember, whatever you do in life it's always best to have a backup plan. Don't make yourself a nervous wreck!

Unfortunately for me my son was not diagnosed until he was 9. Rowan had to start pre-school at 1 because I was going thru a divorce. He is an Aspie/HFA and was able to maneuver through the years, but it was a struggle everyday for him. The pre-school was great. They were very proactive in trying to help him. They gave us so many chances to stay there, which was until he entered 1st grade. He had encopresis (soiled himself) and his actions (behavioral, social and physical boundaries) caused daily unflattering reports that made me feel bad about my son's behavior. The one good thing that came out of being integrated with neurotypical kids is that my son is a little more outgoing and social. Personally I wish he could've stayed home for a couple more years and have time to work on socialization slowly, then around 3 1/2-4 yrs old have him join pre-school. I just think our Autistic kids need more time than others because they process things so differently. This is a tough decision and it will not be easy for either of you, but give it a try. You never know.

My son goes to both special needs preschool and gets bussed to regular "NT" daycare afterwards. (He has been attending daycare since 23 months. Early Intervention therapists were great because they came and saw him in that environment and would tell us if they were concerned about anything. I do feel good about him being able to go to regular daycare, because he did eventually pick up good play behavior and much more speech from his peers.
He did have some hard times at first, but we kept in constant touch with daycare - they kept a journal and would let us know if any issues came up.
I still prefer his special needs pre-school through school district of course because they are on top of things right away and have numerous aids in 14 person classroom, but I do like him being able to attend a regular daycare also. (He is on the mild side of the spectrum, so he did not qualify for Extended School Year through school district, so we will have to depend on daycare through the summer next year too.)

Thank you to all. @A MyAutismTeam Member, it will be part time. This has eased my fears! Thanks again!

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A MyAutis...

I have a little boy in my class that until lasy year he had only attended preschool with other children on the spectrum. When he came to us last year (I do inclusion in a regular Kindergarten setting) He was non verbal and not potty trained. He didn't interact with his peers and seemed unaware of them. After just a month he was beginning to us PECS and was schedule potty trained. Half way through the year he was beginning to notice his peers, speaking in one word utterances, and somewhat independent in using the bathroom. By the end of the year he was very comfortable in the classroom, seeking to be with peers, verbalizing his needs, and totally independent in the bathroom. I also saw the most growth with my own son once he was put into an inclusion setting. In my opinion if their behaviors do not escalate in an inclusion setting then it is the best place for them. But if he begins acting out pay close attention to the triggers and they can't learn when agitated.