>What are the most useful skills for these tasks? Being able to communicate effectively, feeling comfortable asking questions, feeling comfortable admitting when you don't understand something, and being kind and friendly with those you interact with.

I've never liked this idea or thought it was true. At the end of the day it doesn't matter how could of communicators people are if they don't have the skill or talent.

Give me a genius programmer on the spectrum over someone who smooth-talked their way through the interview but doesn't know shit any day.