Hmm, my eldest granddaughter has been diagnosed as autistic. Now, in all fairness, she seemed a perfectly ordinary, cheerful, rather cheeky little girl right up to the point where she had to watch her parent's relationship disintegrate. This is when the withdrawal and anomalous behaviours began. I am therefore wondering whether the autism is not some species of PTSD, exacerbated by her mothers' tolerance, indeed indulgence, of those behaviours?

Whatever, it's clear the child needs a degree of help and support over and above the usual. The autism diagnosis ensures that she will get this, especially at school. She is also dyslexic, a trait she shares with her grandmother (aka SWMBO). Again, extra help where she needs it. I know, it's labelling the kid, but needs must when the Devil drives, as they say.