This is such a good thread.
Condolences to those posters who have been bereaved recently. It's never a good time of course, but goodness what horrible timing. 
The posters who aren't initiating contact are making me feel guilty. I've sent loads of naggy texts helpful advice. Will ease off.
My DS is another shy one with slight but diagnosed ASD. However he's at a conservatoire so almost everyone has something in common, to a lesser or greater degree. I was delighted to hear he had a jam with another fresher today.
DS was disappointed that there are two weeks of freshers' stuff, but in theory that will enable him to get round to lots of stuff like getting a student oyster card, get some bits and bobs and so on. After 8 days he still hasn't done a laundry as he thinks it's very expensive. I bet he'll leave it till he has no more clothes then be appalled to discover that all the machines are in use. I managed not to say that though.
He chatted on the phone last week, a few days after going and ended the call by saying '"It was nice to talk" which was very unexpected and poignant.
I think he's generally okay though. Was delighted when he said yesterday he was "buzzin for ma dinner" - spag bol he'd cooked.
at the frozen waffle debacle.