>>11888724The issue with autism already starts there that the division into high and low functioning implies a natural order how autistic traits should evolve and devolve which they frankly don't
Autism is a behavior profile, just like ADHD. This becomes clear if you check on the DSM.
Obviously, that modern society openly and legally discriminates and others people who happen to have this or that behavior profile is another thing.
Now, what is autism:
1. Abnormal social interaction and behavior (That may include non-verbality, a simple lack of interest in socializing, idiosyncratic social mannerisms, no eye contact etc.)
2. Obsessions, rigid life style, stereotyped movements etc.
We already know that stereotyped movements are often the result of stress coping or poor motor control. Actually, nearly everyone does start fidgeting under stress. It should be differentiated from spastic movements and/or motoric issues. You will hardly find that.
3. These symptomes emerge during childhood.
These are the only two points that actually determine any autism diagnosis and gives rise to what we see now. That a nerdy guy and a severly retarded kid with actual but non-diagnosed brain damage happen to have the exact same disorder. It's quite frankly bullshit.
