If you study the autism literature for any length of time it becomes obvious that there are many “autisms” caused by different disrupted genes and undoubted environmental triggers.
Probably in the future “autism spectrum disorder” will be broken down by the causative factor. Much like a “headache” could be migraines, cancer, meningitis, etc.
I think you are right. There’s a lot of variety, and they keep recategorizing. Like apparently no one uses the term “Asperger’s” now, although it was common a few years ago.
I’m very high functioning on 5he spectrum, but can’t drive.