I know a young young lady with AS and the most observable thing to me is what is described as the "flat" interaction, the apparent lack of emotion. This young lady is quite intelligent, and has many interests, and exhibits the need for consistency many of you describe. Thank you for the insight that she is not emotionless, just expresses/experiences emotions differently.

We seem to have an epidemic of very young children with Autism where I live and work. In the past mild autism was often missed, but it is hard to miss severe cases. Personally I suspect environmental factors, since neonatal development is involved.

ADHD (among other things) runs in my family and I can say they are not the same thing at all. I am grateful for the concerta which enables one young relative to be a happier, more successful person.