Our godson is autistic - any tips on how to help?

Our godson who is nearly 3.5 has been diagnosed as being autistic.  His parents (good friends of ours) are pursuing all sorts of therapies, including beahavioral, speech and diet (he's on a very strict diet, eliminating gluten, MSG, soy...many things).  

They live in a different city and we see them maybe 2 times a year.  How can we help, at a distance?  We saw them today for an outing and we were unsure of how to communicate with him since he really doesn't interact, make eye contact, etc. We are dealing with speech delays in our own son (who is nearly 3), but we are at a loss for what we can do to help our godson - we have no experience with autism.

[Heatherm4]

Even if he doesn't look at you or seem like he is aware of what is going on....he is still quite aware of you. They may not look right at something or someone but they still see what's happening. Try your best to communicate in any way. The best you can do is advocate for him and offer to help in any way you can. Any therapies or just to take care of him every once in a while. It's good to have them around people and other children so they can learn communication skills. When you get him things for bday's, xmas..keep in mind that they don't play with things like a typical child. You can always get him something that helps with communication like "leap frog" and stuff like that. A lot of children with PDD and autism are very good with computers and technology. Age appropriate interactive computer or tv programs are always good.