You know I think it's just one of those cases again where there's something special about someone and the world says all the right stuff like "yes, we should accept everyone as equals" but it just doesn't happen in reality. It doesn't matter how much awareness you create, people with mental retardation, HIV, schizophrenia, etc. etc. still get isolated and left one side, no matter what the world says out there. It's just not "cool" to hang out with people with problems, that's how it's always been. And, yes, the world really is that shallow, save a few people who really care. If you're not "normal", you're not in. It's just too much effort for people to handle you. I can't see why the same "rule" would not apply to us with autism/AS too. It's just another case of "weirdo alert, let's get outta here!" or "freak on the loose!" or US <-------------------------------> THEM.