Hi cossieboy - I posted a reply a while back, but it hasn't shown up. I also have a young son with autism. It can mean they do things repetitively (such as throwing a ball up and down, etc), and they can be afraid of loud noises, certain shapes - or even colours. Each case can be different, so as Cazzz says, it's imperative you get a proper assessment done on your nephew. I don't, however, automatically agree with sending these children to schools that cater for special needs. Mainstream schooling seems to work for my son, & it means he's with the friends he's known since nursery. Change can be frightening for them, and I'd just go with your own feelings and that of the child.