My son was in daycare from 7 weeks of age, and by age 2 always had a 'best' friend. One per year. He didn't hug or kiss them, but he always wanted to play with that one friend. Looking back I think it was because it was hard for him to find anyone that he could talk to, so if he found one kid, that was a victory, and we wasn't giving up, even for a day.
He also 'monopolized' the teacher's attention. Looking back I think that if he had been in a room with older children, he might have been able to have more play that was developmentally appropriate to where his oddball developmental path was.
So maybe this will help your friend see if that is what is going on for her child. More academic challenge at a higher level usually helps these kids be 'calmer to live with' anyway.
Best Wishes,
Grinity
