Abstract
Most autistic people report challenges in initiating and developing intimate, long-term relationships. We used a phenomenological approach to interview thirteen people who were in a neurodiverse intimate relationship (where one partner had a diagnosis of autism) in order to explore the challenges and facilitators both neurotypical and autistic partners experienced. Analysis revealed that ND relationships progressed along similar pathways as non-ND relationships. Facilitators included the strength-based roles that each partner took on and the genuine support and care for each other. Challenges were reported in communication, difficulties reading and interpreting emotions, and idiosyncratic characteristics of the autistic partner. Strategies that both partners used to cope with these challenges and their perspectives of relationship-support services are also presented.
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Acknowledgments
This study would not have been possible without all the couples and partners that participated in this study. Thank you for your invaluable insights, contributions and time. The author would also like to thank Oliver and Virginia for your assistance with the design of the study, recruitment, analysis and ongoing support throughout this process.
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RS 100% involved in research design, data collection, data analaysis, and writing of the journal article. NCG 100% involved in research design, data analaysis, and writing of the journal article. JN 100% involved in research design, data analaysis, and writing of the journal article.
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Rachel Smith was a final year student enrolled in the Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy) Honors program at Curtin University in Perth, Western Australia.
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Smith, R., Netto, J., Gribble, N.C. et al. ‘At the End of the Day, It’s Love’: An Exploration of Relationships in Neurodiverse Couples. J Autism Dev Disord 51, 3311–3321 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-020-04790-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-020-04790-z