I suspect my currently Sectioned friend has autism

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for some advice.  I have a female adult friend who is currently sectioned under the mental health act and who has been for the last 5 or so years.  Her diagnosis has kept on changing multiple times over the years and she's just gotten a new one again.  I'm a female adult diagnosed late with ASD and it runs in my family.  I suspect my friend may have it too but I don't know how to approach the subject with her or what to do about it.  Her hospital is in another part of the country so I can't visit.  I just know that this current diagnosis is not reflective of her - just like the previous ones weren't either.  I don't dent that she clearly has mental health issues - but I feel like it is underpinned by ASD.

I'm considering contacting the PALS (patient advice liaison service) for the NHS for help too.

Many thanks,

Piano