I think it is a neuro developmental disorder.
[
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neurodevelopmental_disorder]
Though I also think it can be considered a pervasive developmental disorder, too.
[
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pervasive_developmental_disorder]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autism_spectrum
Both of the above links state that it is a neuro developmental disorder, and then it says it is also a pervasive developmental disorder as well, so I don't know what it's actually truly classified as, but I think it can be considered a lot of things, but I also think it depends upon the type, severity, and the symptoms one experiences, too, and how they exactly interfere with ones life.
So, to me at least, it's a developmental disorder of sorts.
The fact it has symptoms that can cause communication difficulties is to be expected, but I don't think that's the root cause of what it exactly is, disorder wise.
The pretty common theme of what it exactly is seems to be that of a developmental disorder of sorts.
You could try doing further research on it, more specifically what Autism/Aspergers is, disorder wise, and see if you get any common answers, or maybe ask a specialist online? I'm not sure, on the internet nowadays, you get a hell of a lot of speculation about so many things.
Steel Maiden is quite good at these sorts of questions, so maybe contact her?
Or she may post soon if she sees this.
She's really good with facts and research and such. :)
