Hi Cliff,
My Son is 10 and was dxed with HFA when he was 7. He matches your description of Warren-Jay. I may be wrong, but the real "Rainman" who the film character is based upon isn't autistic. I think he suffered brain damage (saw it on Horizon or a similar prog) and is a savant. Some people with autism can be savants, but I doubt it's common.
My Son is normal as far as I'm concerned, but incompatible with the average child!
I think Adam is adapting (as I think I did) to behave more like the average child, I think it is conscious effort, but he's not desperate. I think he blames the other children at school for being difficult and not adapting to him lol. So self-esteem is OK at the moment
I thought of myself as shy growing up, I can't be sure, but I think autistic traits run in my family. A penny dropped when Adam got his dx. I would describe my parents as "socially reticent". My Dad was awesome, but always looked a little uncomfortable in social situations.
I might be rambling here...because communication is not my best skill (I wonder why? lol).
Adam has had some casual friends, but does not have a best mate, yet...
What interests does Warren-Jay have?
BTW, I think my Son is awesome!!!