Speaking as someone who has worked in this field, the idea that all individuals with autism have savant abilities--or more to the point here, that savant abilities such as those displayed by the title character in Rainman are characteristic of all people with autism is a myth. People in the autism advocacy community seem to be of two minds when it comes to Rainman...it raised awareness, but it also led to some ridiculous stereotyping. 'Rainman' is not typical of autism, nor is it typical of high functioning autism (aka, Aspergers syndrome). To say that Rand is 'Rainman'-like or autistic perhaps not offensive (though to some folks, it might be), but it is ignorant.

People with autism tend to have very restricted interests. Some scientists have suggested that the amazing so-called savant abilities of autism may be due to the fact that the person focuses so intently on one thing that mastery develops. No one knows for sure.

Anyway, when I first read this point, I debated whether or not to say anything, because, again, I find it less offensive than it is ignorant, but then, I do not have autism, nor do I have a family member with autism. I might feel differently if I did. No need to attack Bryce for crazy political correctness.