I don't think it is a crutch at all. Most people with Asperger's I've met have not being fine being alone. They have often felt lonely and excluded so I think it's a myth that aspies want to be alone all the time.

I know because I am a lone wolf plus I have AS and I can see my fellow aspies look for interaction when I'm not. I don't mind people but stupid people bore the heck out of me.