[twomoretime]

I've long thought that Asperger's and tail end IQ can be really difficult to distinguish. They may be one and the same. And unlike autism, Asperger's apparently responds well to the right stimulation. And I think programming fits that niche well enough that "smart" people disproportionately code when they come across the opportunity.

It could be that Asperger's is distinguished from autism by being a condition acquired by high IQ when improperly stimulated or undersocialized.

[notechback]

Just to point out that all autism spectrum disorders have quite a spectrum. Some Asperger's cases are barely able to function, others excell in various fields.

[twomoretime]

Yes, and the spectral nature of autism makes it an easy mistake to make if it turns out that Asperger's is actually separate from autism.

It's not like we know anything with certainty here. AFAIK there is known cause for either condition. Plenty of speculation.