Romantic Relationships and Relationship Satisfaction Among Adults With Asperger Syndrome and High‐Functioning Autism

Objective Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience difficulties in maintaining romantic relationships. In this study high‐functioning adults with ASD were examined concerning their romantic relationship interest and experience. Method Participants, 31 recruited via an outpati...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of clinical psychology 2017-01, Vol.73 (1), p.113-125
Main Authors: Strunz, Sandra, Schermuck, Constanze, Ballerstein, Sarah, Ahlers, Christoph J., Dziobek, Isabel, Roepke, Stefan
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Asperger syndrome
Asperger Syndrome - psychology
Attitude surveys
Autism
autism spectrum disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder - psychology
Clinical psychology
Female
Humans
Interpersonal Relations
Male
partnership, sexuality
Personal relationships
Personal Satisfaction
Questionnaires
romantic relationship
Sexual Partners - psychology
Social support
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Summary:Objective Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience difficulties in maintaining romantic relationships. In this study high‐functioning adults with ASD were examined concerning their romantic relationship interest and experience. Method Participants, 31 recruited via an outpatient clinic and 198 via an online survey, were asked to answer a number of self‐report questionnaires. The total sample comprised 229 high‐functioning adults with ASD (40% males, average age: 35 years). Results Of the total sample, 73% indicated romantic relationship experience and only 7% had no desire to be in a romantic relationship. ASD individuals whose partner was also on the autism spectrum were significantly more satisfied with their relationship than those with neurotypical partners. Severity of autism, schizoid symptoms, empathy skills, and need for social support were not correlated with relationship status. Conclusion Our findings indicate that the vast majority of high‐functioning adults with ASD are interested in romantic relationships.
ISSN:0021-9762
1097-4679
DOI:10.1002/jclp.22319