Personally I wouldn't even leave a normal 13 yr old home alone (or use them to babysit) though that may be the legal cutoff when it is permissible (depending on maturity level which varies significantly and in terms of maturity, my guess is someone with ASD is likely behind his peers). One can consider a psychologist to test this but it should be apparent to the parents.

Does the area that you live in have a behavioral health center? There are doctors on staff who specialize in your family's situation, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!

I don't really know either, but I think you might want 2 address the question 1st from a "legal" standpoint? Like, technically, how old should they be—according 2 ur state/town's laws? THEN...

Family issues: CAN he be left alone? How long? How do we know this? [evals + personal experience] Stuff like that...I don't know if that's helpful, but I think I'd think along these lines...¶

I am not sure that professionals would do better than the judgement of parents. Some kids are fine for an hour or two as early as 11, while other kids are a complete mess at 15. The only good rule I have heard about time is to test and observe. Go for a ten minute walk and see what happens. Then go out for coffee.

A kid who plays video games for hours is usually a different deal at home alone than a kid who decides to look through the medicine cabinet. But no one knows for sure which type of kid they have until they observe.

In many cases ASD kids are better alone than typical kids, because ASD kids tend to follow rules and schedules very closely.

I agree. I feel this is risky but need formal eval to convince parent who does not see this as an issue of concern. Thanks for responses.