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.
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.
Can everyone do this - I don't know.