I have nothing but sympathy and respect for someone dealing first hand with autism.
From the very little I know/have witnessed, I can only begin to imagine how difficult it is to deal with. I do not believe I would have the patience to cope.
Interesting topics raised here recently. The OP struck a chord with me in his opening statement, I fully recognise the retiring, withdrawn,not wanting to be in a crowd qualities mentioned in my own traits.
Weirdly though, I also have moments of wanting nothing other than being the centre of attention. What does this make me akin to? bi-polar? am I allowed to say that?
Does anyone else feel like they've never truly fitted in? anywhere?
My hunch is that most of us are a lot less 'normal' than we realise. I think we should probably embrace this.