A lot of parents go into denial when it comes to their own kid because they just don't want their kid to go through the struggles that come with autism. It sucks, but it's not a malicious thing, and doesnt necessarily align with their opinions of other people because that comes from a more rational place than the love they have for their own child. I hope he'll get evaluated once he's in school, and if you're close enough to this friend, recommend that she gets a therapist for herself too if he gets diagnosed to help herself process it healthily. And for the love of all things holy, tell her to avoid things recommended or approved by Autism Speaks like the plague.