So I held a party for my daughter's birthday and she invited her school friends. I'm not particularly close to anyone but know well enough to say hello. They're at the age where they can be dropped off and picked up later.
Now bare in mind I'm running round like a headless chicken trying to greet/entertain/cook ect. There's one little boy who's being quite demanding, arranging food, not drinking the drink I provide ect. He seems to be struggling. I had a close friend helping me when she approaches me and says she thinks this bit might be autistic when the penny dropped. I felt bad about being firm with him on a few occasions but his mum never mentioned it. I would have been more accomadating had I known. The second hour went a lot smoother, and all was well, although he did struggle with the games. When his mum picked him up she asked how he was and happened to mention then he was in fact autistic.
I wouldn't have treated him any differently to the other kids except filled his glass how he liked and allow him to arrange the food ect. I would have helped him cope better. I did wonder after though why she left him on his own. They're only 6-7 aged kids!