That's a cool synchronicity regarding the photo! There are patterns underlying our existence that we can't perceive, but that we see the results of. These results are often explained as 'paranormal' but that's just a holding word until we can figure out the actual mechanisms and processes behind synchronicities.

Another more rational explanation is that the probability of seeing an autistic person you know (in an article about autism) is higher than average due to your interest and participation in autistic topics. Like attracts like. But unless we can gather all the data to accurately assess the probability, this 'rational' explanation has as much validity as the paranormal explanation imo.