I have a nephew who is turning 12 in december and he was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3...he too did not speak for the longest time,,he wanted to be in his own world..today he still doesnt like to talk very much but we incourage him to ask for what he wants and you have to have ALOT of patience with them, my nephew also liked to play with eye lashes and he likes to kiss peoples forheads,,he gets excited and flaps his hands in the air...they throw wild tantrums at times...they tend not to play with other kids either..there is alot about autism out there...its good u want to get informed..my nephew doesnt like to talk and play with others but he sure does love his video games,,he likes his super heros too..they will take an interest in things and they remember alot of things,,
http://carlysvoice.com/ go to that link its aabout an autistic girl and she tells us what it is like to be autistic! its sad but watch it..it gave me more understanding!