i have both AS and bipolar. my experience with bipolar is somewhat different... i do not seem to get the emotional effects as much as others. when manic i am awake a lot and get a lot done, and my "functionality" (in the autistic sense) is higher. when depressive i sleep a lot and veg out and my "functionality" is lower. these periods last 1-3 months on average. i do not seem to get more "happy" or "sad" during these periods but stay the same old flat with sudden brief intense emotions. it seems to be more of a "power level" thing than a mood thing. i think that is likely due to the AS... my mother has bipolar but not AS and her bipolar appears to be very emotional.