"Its unlikely that an autistic child would be able to form even a dysfunctional friendship."

Dianavan - From my own personal experience with my 7 year old son I'd have to dispute that. It's just that we may have to redefine how we describe friendship. There are people that my son looks forward to seeing on a regular basis. He enjoys their company. Does he walk up and say hello? No - he's non-verbal. Does he give out hugs when he greets people - not unless he's asked. But he does snuggle and seek out physical contact once he's in his element. The range of symptoms shown by autistic people is vast. They are extremly difficult to pigeonhole. But that's just one fathers viewpoint.