Your friend needs to do two things. FIRST, write a letter to her son's school asking them to do a complete evaluation and include looking at ASD. They have to evaluate him for this if she requests it. There is a link here called ASD assesment or evaluation (can't remember) that has all the info about what needs to be done. Take a look at that and try to print it out so your friend will know what tests should be given.
SECOND, tell your friend to call your local Autism Society of TN and find out who the docs are in your area that specialize in ASD.
I am writing this for my friend and neighbor. She has an 8 year old son that has been diagnosed ADD/ADHD/OCD and he has been on every kind of medication and patch that you can think of and nothing seems to help this child. I am familiar with Autism being that I have a cousin that is severely autistic and I think that this child needs to be tested. I do not know of any place in Knoxville TN that specifically deals with Autistic children, if anyone out there knows who my friend can call and get set up with that would be great. She is however, on TennCare so whoever it is would have to accept this type of insurance.
Your help would be greatly, greatly appreciated.
Sandy Hensley
Go to www.yellowpagesforkids.com --this will give a list of resources in the home state. Its helped me. Good luck!!!