Does AS exist?

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The question is not "does AS exist" the question is "what exactly is AS".

The simple fact that there is a set of traits that are labeled "AS" is proof that it exists in some form.

Personally I think a variety of genes cause AS. Some are probably shared with autism, but some are unique to AS. Perhaps when those "AS unique" genes exist by themselves you simply wind up with a shy NT. Of course this is all just wild speculation on my part.

Yeah: I'm a scientist, I've researched this. There are clear and obvious genetic deviations from typical homo sapiens sapeins genotypes. In fact; a far greater divide than the difference between races. Much greater.
It is real; the "2/3/4 of such-and-such" is really just the average joe's method of interpretation.
It's innacurate; yes - but not everyone is a geneticist, so that is - so far - the only method of identification.
Of course; though I am trying to figure out a method to identify Aspergers/Autism at a genetic level - a difficult task, considering simply how many chromosomes are involved, etc.
Unfortunately; how do I guarantee nobody would use such a system to invoke forced, or at least encouraged, abortions of Autistic children?

^Scary question, your last thought there Ishmael...

It seems to me that in addition to genetic and prenatal development factors, that learning and experience make a difference too. But, I think only as far as where someone is on the spectrum. For some of us it may even make the difference as far as which side of the has it or doesn't line we fall on. (Though, where one draws the line makes a difference too.) (By "some" I don't mean to imply a great number. But I like "some" because it's vague, "a few" sounds too specific.)

Seems to me while it's clear that there's a strong genetic factor, it's not clear how that fits with other factors.

Seems to me it's clear enough that people with autism or asperger's or similar traits, but that doesn't mean they/we (not sure which to use ) can just work hard and become normal. I know I can't. And for me, social success comes with not trying to be normal, but by being myself. How can can those with autism learn to be social (to the extent they want or need to) while still being who they are?

I think it is real enough to be more than just a label.
All my life I was stuck in between two realms, because I was neither low functioning or NT.
So I was not accepted by special ed groups because I didnt act "special" enough, and I was not accepted among "normal" people, because I was not "normal"enough. Even the "geeks" and "nerds" didn't want to acknowledge me because I was too "eccentric" for them.

Why do people think there's a real AS?

And which genetic AS is real and whose is just some odd non-autistic autistic-looking oddity? Maybe some people only have half-real autism and another half is an un-real cause like wrong genetics or brain abnormalities or other things that makes their behaviour just appear like autism.

I still foresee people being very excluding in the future towards those who don't have a certain ASD type. If AS still exists... who knows.

Currently those with what some think are 'real' autism spectrum disorders are those who have no idea what caused their disorder. That's just plain weird.