"Autism" is a diagnosis reached through a battery of tests administered by professionals. The diagnosis encompasses the presentation of a range of cognitive and behavioral symptoms. However the underlying causes of this presentation can be quite varied, ranging from the inheritance of specific genetic alleles, chromosomal events, probably epigenetic factors, brain injury and who knows how many other non genetic developmental factors.

I do not believe that there are firm stats, but only a small fraction of cases can be ascribed to a specific cause.

I got a job through an outfit called Manpower. They actually handled a pretty wide range of jobs - I was hired as a laboratory scientist for a one year contract. I went with the temp agency bevause I knew that I was going to go to grad school the next year. Basically, the company that I worked at payed them for my contract - and it seemed like a stiff premium at the time (like 50% of my salary).

Anyhow, it was a solid experience. They were begging me to stay on at the end of my contract but I was determined to go on with my education.

"Your Honor, I'm ready to proceed."

Seriously, is that a picture frame with a poster-sized printout or what? It looks great.