And many of those are only slightly affected
As a matter of fact I know people who seem a bit “off” but are almost normal otherwise. I usually chalk it up to the culture, but some of them could be slightly autistic, it make sense.
This is the problem...all it takes is for someone to be a little shy, or awkward, or strange, and then everyone is eager to slap a label on them that’ll fast track them to the cattle cars and give everyone who wants to say “But it’s not real!” more ammunition.
Is it real? Yes.
Are many of the cases real? I don’t think so, not when every shy, awkward, slow, or undisciplined kid gets lumped in. IMO this hurts the actual cases because it gives something to point at and deny.
The labels should be kept for the severe cases, not someone who finds it nerve wracking to make small talk with strangers...