How wonderful that you worked in this area, and I too have researched many of these observations, that I feel have some merit.. Unfortunately my grandson has displayed some of the most obvious symptoms early in his development, and his dad and mom were so loving and responsive..
As he has grown, he became more abusive to himself and others that interactive with him.. Sad really, and you are correct, he is very intelligent, in spite of his communicative limitations..
He has been enrolled in private specialty education with highly professional Autism specialist almost from the beginning of his diagnoses at 3 years old.. Thankfully their insurance and our personal income has allowed us to afford him his greatest opportunity to evolve with his own unique development..
My grandson will be graduating from college in May with a degree in software engineering and while he has some quirks, he is high functioning. He still walks on his tip toes, which drives me crazy.
He had a difficult birth and I've always wondered if that could be a factor but he has come a long way since being a little guy.