Child w/autism

I think my friend's son is autistic. I recognize the signs because my bro is autistic, her bro is autistic also. Our kids
have played together for 3 years now. Hers is now 6. This was the 1st year he went to a special school after
having a hard time in regular kindergarden. She hasn't told me anything about him being autistic ever. She recently
told me he has a problem because English is not is native language. I don't think she is being honest with me or
maybe not herself. I don't have a problem with our kids playing together at all, but I would want her to trust me
with info and maybe I could help her find resources that she is unaware of. I could go into the symptoms but they
are typical. I don't understand why someone would be ashamed of this and how could they keep something so big
a secret. I would think the more people you have on your side you could tap into more resources, nutritionist,
play therapists, ect.. But she tells me .... he is just excited, he is only learning a new language, he is tired, he
wants to go here, he wants to go there . I've never hinted that he may be autistic because I wouldn't want to
hurt her feelings. I've suspected this for 2 1/2 years though and wonder why I can't be let in on the truth if we are so close, and children are close? thanks for your input