I started with a pellet gun and my interest in them has never waned. I still enjoy them and recently picked up a Diana model 34 that I am so excited about. I taught my son to shoot with one. I bought him a Beeman 177 cal.
This one:
https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/b...-0755025p.html
It is accurate and easy to break open and shoots at under 500ft/sec. Not the highest quality but a great learner. If you are interested I would pass this pellet gun onto to your son free of charge. I also have a good supply of pellets I would include. I was going to donate it to someone and after reading your thread I just wanted to put the offer out there. It would make me feel good to put a smile on your boy. I am currently staying in Edmonton for a while and can arrange to have it brought here. Please let me know if you are interested. My wife is with me and heads out your way to visit a friend and she may be able to bring it your way.