it is not the same writing or simple arithmetic for most people. this sort of comment is exactly what the original post was talking about -- programmers are often unable to imagine other people will struggle with tasks they take for granted.
Ok, I was exaggerating a bit just to contrast it with stuff that really needs experience - "Hello world" vs. Linux kernel, so to speak. But really, programming is something people can pick up while doing something else. Not systems programming, mind you, but Python, Matlab or such they pick up from labs or programming 101 which they find after graduation is employing them while extending a one domain specific system or another.
Let me rephrase this, anecdotally STEM inclined people can pick up programming at an adult age far easier than they would e.g. reading and writing or playing a musical instrument.
