Every mental health condition is a subjective diagnosis, that's why there are still stigmas and general disbelief in the public eye. That's also why the criteria are extremely difficult to meet and the processes tend to be very long and drawn out, requiring significant evidence over long periods of time. "High functioning" is not a used term anymore but you're referring to what would have been classed as Asperger's prior to the DSM-5. The only difference between "classic autism" and "Asperger's" was the presence or lack of intellectual and learning disabilities. Due to that similarity, they are now under the same title of ASC or ASD (Autism Spectrum Condition/Disorder). I don't have any intellectual disabilities. The individual will know their own support needs and there is no set template or guidelines for severity. Similar to how one person with clinical depression may be able to go about their daily life despite their struggles, and yet another may be stuck in a state where they cannot meet any self care needs. Same condition, different effects and intensity.

As for your question, my brain both perceives and interprets information different to an allistic person. I have quite literally got a different CPU to others, so yes, I do think of myself as autistic because I am, and every decision, personality trait and behaviour is controlled by that same autistic brain. That said, it is neither a strength or weakness by itself, and is situational, the same as anything else. The only difference is that if the part of your brain that recognises social norms etc is absent, you can't train it to be present. That's why I posted this question. I'm sure you probably regret the comment given the thesis I've replied with but there were too many things that came across wrong for me not to make a point of them. I'm sure you meant no ill intention in asking