http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asperger_s ... #Mechanism
Under "Mechanism" of the above article:
"Although the specific underpinnings of AS or factors that distinguish it from other ASDs are unknown, and no clear pathology common to individuals with AS has emerged,[3] it is still possible that AS's mechanism is separate from other ASDs.[48] Neuroanatomical studies and the associations with teratogens strongly suggest that the mechanism includes alteration of brain development soon after conception.[45] Abnormal migration of embryonic cells during fetal development may affect the final structure and connectivity of the brain, resulting in alterations in the neural circuits that control thought and behavior.[49] Several theories of mechanism are available; none are likely to provide a complete explanation.[50]"
-Reposted with the understanding that Wikipedia is a free resource, will be removed if requested, or Mods deem it necessary Im sure.
The questions you ask, many of them have no real answers yet (Or rather the answers are there, but we don't understand them well enough to explain them in absolute finality), just speculation from a medical community seemingly interested in making money by trying to help people "Feel better" about trying to "Cure" or otherwise deal with "Substandard Fetus'" by a variety of methods......
Neurons are Neurons, they're the same for everyone, the only difference between Spectrum vs not is, To the Best of my knowledge, the # of them present in the brain.
"What is AS exactly? "
To this, the simplest answer I can give, is that like so many other "personality disorders", it is a set of traits recognized in people, from external sources (Other people), as being different from themselves/the Social "norm". Basically AS is something that could have gotten you sent to a Psychiatric ward 70 or so years ago. Now it *Might* qualify you for a disability pay check.
"or is it that you need a brain transplant to solve AS, "
Thats like asking if you need Leg Transplants to "solve" Fast/Slow Running speed. There are simply attributes that affect your running speed, IMHO, just as there are Attributes that affect whether you have AS (Though be warned, this answer is speculatory on my part).