As many others have pointed out long before me, if he had the proper help and was raised accordingly, he would have better coping methods. I'm sure this has been an issue with every generation, but the Millennials and especially Gen-Z have been too sheltered and coddled. Mom and Dad, grandparents, etc. take care of everything and it's really screwed up their children's work ethic, self-awareness, self-sufficiency, and sense of reality.
I've lost some really good friends over the years (because of the above) and they continue to have arrested development deep into adulthood. Having any meaningful or deep conversation is lost on them because it's like talking to a child. Basically all the traits Chris exhibits, on top of having the autism.
I had friends who lost parents as teenagers, but they weren't stunted at 16 like the woman you mention. It just sounds like she hasn't grown up. The woman not having a job simply because her husband died sounds like an excuse, too. Then again, it's like you mentioned, if they're not put-together to begin with then this is the result. It just sounds like an excuse to not be responsible.
Not trying to sound heartless, it's just the reality of things and personal situations I went through and witnessed.