Although I have only recently been diagnosed, I showed symptoms of being in the Autism Spectrum from infancy. I never liked being cuddled or held. As a toddler and young child, when taken to the park to play with other children, I'd play with them for a very few minutes, then wander off on my own. People have often gotten annoyed with me because I don't - I can't look them in the eye. Crowds, noise, and chaos make me crazy, so I avoid all of the above. I have always been a social disaster, although I am fine in print. I much prefer spending my time with myself. I live alone and love it, especially after having been married for 22 years. I stay busy and am never bored. I live in a senior community where there are a few social events. I usually attend these because it's a skill a grown person should develop. I am very uncomfortable at these events and usually manage to say something inappropriate, but since I am using my "nice" persona, I am usually accepted. I am not deficient or defective. I suggest you read some of my posts here or visit my Facebook page to learn what a real live, functioning person with autism is really like. (I'll PM you the link if you want it.)
I become very annoyed when people - always without autism - making generalizations. Each of us is an individual, with the strengths and weaknesses of any individuals.
People at the place I'm at on the spectrum are generally intelligent, but not savants, non-sociable loners. I think I have a strong sense of self. I think that is something like an ego, of which I have a large one that I have trouble keeping under control. I have also heard that we have no sense of humor and don't understand jokes. No one has said that ever that about me I know of. This is all personal. I rarely discuss it publicly, just as I don't discuss my sexuality, my spiritual experiences, and my income, unless I have some good reason.
By the way, my profile picture is of Petey The Sloth. In the physical universe, I look pretty much like an overweight, female senior citizen, which is what I am.
I would welcome an intelligent, informed discussion of autism devoid of stereotypes and misinformation. I avoid all of those by relating my own experiences. That is difficult for others to invalidate.