I can confirm that AS is a real condition...(good grief, Lepus, talk about tactless) and causes huge distress to many of its sufferers, whilst others believe the problem is with the outside world not them.

It is NOT a mental health problem and it isn't usually a learning disability either, in fact many people with AS are exceptionally intelligent..... which means many people don't get help because they don't fit in any category for service. The main area of impairment is often to do with the inability to empathise or understand any viewpoint other than their own. Social functioning on any level becomes a nightmare for them. Resistance to or huge anxiety about change is common and this is often coupled with an intense focus on a project or interest, sometimes to the exclusion of all else.

As for musicians, well I know of one AS sufferer at least who is immensely creative and talented. That may be because the guitar seldom left his hands for years and years (see intense focus). By the way Lepus, there are NO treatments or drugs, people with AS rely on the the outside world (which is how they see the world) to accept them and value the difference, which I think may be what you are saying in your own inimitable style :)