Allow me to provide ample insight on the "condition" known as autism. As for my credentials - I was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, under the umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorder, 10 years ago when I was 23 and this led me into the field of psychology and immediately obtained my Bachelors degree in the field and am now getting my Masters in counseling where I frequently use autism as the subject matter of papers. Needless to say, I have a relation to and knowledge on the condition.
First off, I want to thank you for your post. It was well worth reading!

Secondly, I had no freaking clue that autism was that common. I thought it was like a 1 in 10,000 thing. It's just never been an issue at all in my life. At least not that I'm aware of. None of my family, nor my friends have every been diagnosed with autism. So my exposure to autism (and mental-illness) has been extremely lacking. Heck, I didn't even know depression was a legitimate thing until in my 20's when I went through the learning process of why "telling them to just feel better" wasn't a viable solution. Because honestly, if you've never exposed to that stuff, and you only know normal--it can be a challenge to understand different. And unfortunately, people can be extremely critical when asking questions. As was seen in some of the earlier comments in this thread.

I guess if there's any part of me that wants to rant about something. Because it's not all about learning, although that's the part I appreciate the most. As an extreme extrovert. Anytime I want to feel accepted or participate. I eagerly force my way into a situation. And that's my normal. So it's incredibly challenging for me to comprehend people who feel neglected or left out. I know people want to feel accepted. But I've never been the kind of person to seek acceptance. Rather--I do me (being an extreme extrovert), and acceptance has just been part of the package. So when I see people wish for acceptance. I don't quite know how to give it to them. I'm willing to be anyone's friend, but they have to meet me half way. And If they don't. I just assume they're doing other things, and I let them move on.

But because I only know me. I often get stuck in the trap of just assuming people are as ambitious, social, or extroverted as me. So I don't always recognize when they need a helping hand. For example initiating conversation. If I want something--I'll just boldly blurt it out (like this forum post). I wanted to know something, and so I asked. Even though I knew people would think I was a troll. I just HAD to know, so acted the way I act.

And a lot of times I think other people will do that. And when they don't initiate. I often mistake their failure to initiate as a purposeful action. As in they chose not to initiate because they were bored, didn't care. Or just had no desire for a conversation. I struggle to remember that 'they want to, but are held back." Because man, I'll gladly extend a bridge. But I can't always read people, and I've learned the hard way too many times that imposing just makes people angry!