I have a relationship over 20+ years with someone, lets call him Tim, who I suspect is slightly autistic. I don't know for certain because his parents who are close friends have never discussed it and tell me he is suffering from some other neurodiverse condition. It is now obvious that he is suffering from something else and from my limited research, autism seems a possible candidate, but I am no expert.
My concern isn't about applying the correct label, but the real possibility of Tim never developing into an independant adult. I question whether his parents are getting the right advice, or perhaps just not listening to the advice they have been given. I would like some professional advice about what I might do to help. Clearly the easy option is to do nothing and accept it's none of my business - walk on by. If that's the expert view, then so be it. However, I want someone to tell me that there's nothing I can or should do. How do I go about raising the issue with his parents?
Any advice gratefully received.
