Autism was much more narrowly defined when I was growing up. I did a research paper on it in jr high, there was no “high functioning autism” back then. Which doesn’t necessarily mean they’re wrong now, but it certainly plays into the rise in autism rates.
See # 63; I don’t believe there is anything medically wrong the children I’ve met who were described as “high functioning autism”. Schools love it because they get more money for “special needs” students, and parents get some benefits as well. Flame away, but it is plain as day.