And I still struggle to understand the autistic mind.

He has taken more initiative with his studies in high school, and gets passing grades, but I honestly have no idea if he’ll be able to function independently as an adult.

I agree they are somehow shielded and pure, but many, at least the higher functioning, are aware of their inabilities to ingratiate themselves socially with others but have zero capacity to ever do so. To me, that design seems cruel.