Well you are right about the DSM V.
However, certainly here, it is viewed as a device to justify a psychiatrist's choice of diagnosis and drug regime.
Psychologists dont rely so heavily on said!
The type of autism u relate in the UK would be established at 80iq points or lower.
But remember we are talking about obsessive collectors and autistic-like traits not someone in a chair who rocks all day and becomes aggressive if you don't buy them a Moz Japanese 3" cd!
Have a look here for some very functional and communicative 'autistic' people:
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_people_with_autism_spectrum_disorders
I would assert the mental process required to understand the abstract concept of collecting music by Moz uses brain chemistry, intellectual bandwidth and a set of concepts that your 'retarded' example does not have.
A stereotypical autistic example wouldn't grasp even the concepts of data or order so your own logic reinforces my view that its a sophisticated thought process!
I really would recommend reading up on anything by Temple Granding.
http://templegrandin.com/
Who is a Doctor with autism and a leading advocate.
I must thank you, this dialogue is much better than the usual who bought what colour rose debate
But I really must off as I have a dry white wine calling me which will probably render me rocking in a chair also!
Regards,
FWD
(ps 'retarded' here is the psychiatric equivalent of the 'n' word and is beyond taboo).