How do I tell my friend I think her son is Autistic?

A close friend, who I consider family, recently was blessed with two little boys just a year apart from each other. Her youngest son is happy and cuddly and doing very well. Her oldest son is 2 years old, hes amazing and Im very close with him. After spending our lives around children, however, my mother and myself have been noticing that this little boy is different somehow. I have background in child psychology and my mother is a pediatric nurse, so we both spotted some of the early signs of Autism about ten months ago.

Now, after celebrating his 2nd birthday, he still doesnt speak, he doesnt interact with others, and it's breaking my heart. How do I tell my friend about my concerns for her son?? I cry about it because I know she will be devastated, but I know early diagnosis is crucial. Regardless of the outcome, our family will love and support her and her little ones forever. They're a big part of our lives, so whats the best way to help them? Any advice???

If you have a close relationship with your friend as you say you do, you should broach the subject gently. You never know if she is just waiting for someone else to notice the problem too, so she can discuss it. Explain to her that it's because you are so close and care so much, that you wanted to talk to her about this.
Hope this made sense.
Life is too short for 'what ifs'

ok for one think you cant say if some one is autistic only a doctor can

Watch with her the movie Rainman, or something similar. another approach talk about a similar situation you read on TV or about you read about autism and many parents don't know what it is so explain it to her . Make her indirectly aware of the signs and the condition and she will figure it on her own, if now then talk to her openly about it. Good luck.

autism becomes apparent to people in time, its like people who live with someone who has early dementia, the signs are subtle, yet insidious and I'm afraid relentless. One day the Mum will break and start talking to people, probably by now the mother has picked up on it herself. The unspoken stuff must hover around all of you - give her time, because the day will come when finally the pain will erupt, and then at least you all won't be hedging around it. It will also mean you can all help more, for her to have your backup will make all the difference. In the mother's case there is a yearning grief of terrible loss - and it must be swamping her at times.

This is where the value of friendships come into their own. Wish you were my friend.