Burrows, Catherine, et al. "Supporting the Spectrum Hypothesis: Self-Reported Temperament in Children and Adolescents with High Functioning Autism." Journal of Autism & Developmental Disorders, vol. 46, no. 4, Apr. 2016, pp. 1184-1195. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1007/s10803-015-2653-9.

In this study done by Catherine Burrows and associates, there has been found a difference in temperament from normally functioning peers in comparison to high functioning autism (HFA) peers, a difference I believe may be key to better understanding HFA individuals and where misconceptions arise from. This difference has been found to be quantitative or quantity, rather than qualitative or quality. While it was observed HFA and normal individuals were not drastically different in group difference, they did diverge in verbal IQ, and a notably larger percentage of the HFA group were male compared to female, correlating with many fictional characters with autistic characteristics being male. Temperament and behavior, along with cognitive and stunted social development, are some of the major factors of autism. The finding found evidence supporting the spectrum hypothesis, utilizing measures to better understand the quirks behind HFA. The reports basic structure highlights autism and even HFA is more nuanced compared to what is presented in media.