ERIC Number: EJ1306500
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021-Sep
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0162-3257
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Available Date: N/A
'At the End of the Day, It's Love': An Exploration of Relationships in Neurodiverse Couples
Smith, Rachel; Netto, Julie; Gribble, Nigel C.; Falkmer, Marita
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, v51 n9 p3311-3321 Sep 2021
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.
Descriptors: Dating (Social), Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Barriers, Interpersonal Competence
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
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