I took AP classes in high school, and I agree they're tough, but they're meant to be. He may not like it, but if I were you, I would make him see it through. Those classes are advanced to better prepare him for college. He can obviously do the work, so maybe he needs the class just to teach him to get the work done. If he makes a lower grade, so be it. I think it's more admirable to admissions counselors to see him push himself and do a little worse than to see him breeze by in classes that don't test his abilities. 

Thank you both. I absolutely agree with what you both said, at first look. Those were my feelings and to be honest, still are to a great extent. As of 5pm yesterday, I was definitely leaning heavily towards no being the answer.

Then my son had his weekly therapy session and I went in this week with him so we could process this question together (son is dx as ODD and depression). The therapist brought up a valid point that in college, students are able to and do drop classes. Therapist also felt that for me to not grant this request could cause quite a problem with lack of cooperation in the immediate future. 

We are also dealing with a separate issue as a family which is going to be a serious matter for my son to come to terms accepting in the near future...so after much thought, I've chosen to let him drop the class. The idea is that son 'get his way' this time, because soon on a bigger matter he is not going to - and this can be used as a reminder that sometimes you get what you want, and sometimes you don't.  *I don't feel 100% good about the decision, but honestly I don't think I would have felt 100% about either decision.

It sounds like you made the best decision for your family - I hope it goes well for everyone involved!