What makes it necessary to define autism beyond perceptual dysfunction?
There are several other aspects that I think are not just &quot;perceptions&quot; but something more complicated.

Having an weak or a different theory of mind; that hinders processing in general how other people may perceive or interpret something.

Having difficulty with cognitive empathy; that hinders understanding others' motives and intentions.

Having difficulty with consequences of something especially in social situations.

Problems with planning.

Problems with working memory.