I will start this off by saying I am in no way experienced with SEN or autism, behavioral disorders or ANYTHING, so I am 100% happy to be told I'm way off base and to mind my own.
My friend's son is 5. We have boys around the same age, I've known her since they were babies. They've always been very different, but as they've grown older the differences have become more apparent. I've been suspecting that there's something going on, undiagnosed, with her son for a couple of years but I've never said anything since a family member of hers did and she became very upset and defensive. I just supported her and decided not to say anything.
A few examples are;
He doesn't talk much. When he does his speech is slightly slurred.
He won't answer direct questions, he will look at the floor and hum when he's spoken to directly.
He doesn't make eye contact with anyone, including his mum.
He keeps his eyes half closed all the time, peering only at things through his lashes.
He doesn't like walking into buildings, he stiffens and has to be dragged over the threshold and gets very upset.
He has food issues. He won't eat wet food, anything mushy. His diet mainly consists of bread and ham, and plain pasta that has been patted dry.
There are other things too.
I'm posting this now because he started school last year and his teacher has raised concerns recently at a parents evening, but my friend was adamant that he's just shy and there's nothing 'wrong' with him. And was really quite upset that anything was mentioned.
Does it sound as though he may need to see someone? And should I say something, or just mind my own business? She's asking my advice, and I'm not sure it's a good thing to lie and say I don't see it too anymore, because I do.