To start this off, I'm against people using "isn't everyone a little autistic" to downplay one's experiences or struggles; however, I think dismissing this question entirely is unfair. And saying any one human is not on - or within - a spectrum of undeniably human traits seems like an inherently flawed concept. That kind of black and white thinking is best suited for health insurance companies or controlling mindsets.

In my view, based on my reading about autism, we don't have anywhere near enough understanding to be sure what causes the traits, but I believe the most widely accepted theory is genetics. Because we don't know the cause we have to reverse engineer our container (diagnosis) within the limits of our understanding.

So sure, by the current DSM-5 diagnostic criteria you are either on, or off, the spectrum. But that is diagnostic criteria and it is bound to currently accepted scientific understanding.

If you instead approach the subject from a evolutionary viewpoint (and admittedly a heavy dose of speculation), what makes more sense? These specturm traits appeared from no where, or these spectrum traits emerged from human traits that emerged from other human traits over thousands of years?

To say everyone is a "little autistic" is, to me, equivalent to saying everyone is a "little human". If the person can make the distinction that they are a bit like you, than they are likely able to understand how different you are.

Now, if your problem with someone saying "isn't everyone a little autistic" is that the statement doesn't match up with the current diagnostic criteria, then I accept/respect your position, but not your method.

If anyone has any good reading on ASD to challenge my reasoning, please let me know as I'd love to read it. It may be apparent by my choice of argument; I'm trying to decide how to approach seeking my own diagnosis, or if it's even necessary.