That's the funny thing about autism. Autistic kids can become virtual prodigies in some areas because the way that an autistic brain works. Did you ever see Rain Man? Also watch Temple Grandin on HBO. This movie is a true story about a woman who didn't even speak until she was about 3. Her mind sees patterns and was able to get through traditional school and obtain multiple college degrees.

Here is her webpage. She is a spokesperson for autism.

http://www.templegrandin.com/

The question is can he understand what he is reading? That's the key. With autism, development of communication skills is stunted, but is certainly not non-existent. Children can have "beakthrough" moments where they suddenly realize how to fight their way out of the bag, so to speak, and learn how to get around and through the roadblocks that early-onset autism had caused them.