"Normal" people are neurotypical; there are a broad range of opinions in the autie/aspie community as to the value of trying to fit in with neurotypicals.

Go check out the discussion boards at wrongplanet.net for a huge community of autie/aspie types. "Neurodiversity" is the rallying cry. google the term for more info.

As for the "lack of empathy" issue - that too is highly disputed, as is just about every other characteristic assigned to the "disorder."