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Tips for Being in a Relationship With a Man Who Has Asperger's or Autism

By HERWriter
 
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Being involved in a successful romantic relationship can be difficult for most people. Consider all the breakup self-help books available, the movies portraying cheating significant others, constant fighting and dramatic breakups, and your own relationship history.

Do you think these difficulties increase or decrease for someone with a mental disorder? Let’s just say that it’s not easy to have a relationship while trying to function “normally” in the world.

For people who have Asperger’s disorder or autistic disorder, social interaction is complicated. Although people with Asperger’s are thought to have high-functioning autism, they still have social problems. For example, people with Asperger’s don’t contribute as much socially and emotionally, and they don’t know how to use nonverbal behaviors as well, like eye contact, according to an abnormal psychology textbook.

Interaction and emotional reciprocity are important in relationships, so it’s no wonder that it would be a challenge for someone with Asperger’s or autism to be in a relationship. Although this doesn’t happen for everyone, it’s a stereotype that someone with these disorders will not share his or her emotions as frequently. For example, they might not say “I love you” or show affection as often, because they don’t understand and express emotions as well as the typical person.

If you decide to be in a relationship with someone who has Asperger’s or autism, it seems there are some things you have to consider to help the relationship work. Keep in mind, this may not apply to everyone who has Asperger’s or autism. There is the proposed autism spectrum disorder, which places autism and Asperger’s together. Basic symptoms will be the same, but specifics may differ.

This is what I have observed after being in a short relationship with someone who thought he had Asperger’s and through reading different articles:

1) Don’t assume the other person is uninterested, just because he isn’t telling you he likes you or finds you attractive. Decide what you think of him and let him know. After he is aware of your attraction and isn’t confused about nonverbal gestures and flirtation, it might be easier for him to decide if he feels the same way.
2) Don’t be alarmed if your significant other is confused by romantic gestures, like hugging or kissing. Stop if needed, but also try explaining what the gestures mean, or suggest going to a psychologist together so you can work on your partner’s relationship skills.
3) Tell your partner how you are feeling, especially if you are angry, and why. Your partner may not understand your emotions and why you are reacting a certain way.
4) Learn what his interests are, and try to engage in activities focusing on those interests. Go on a few dates where social interaction isn’t necessarily the focus.
5) Ease him into large social situations, like parties or group outings. Understand if he is overwhelmed or decides not to go with you – he might prefer being alone or with less people.
6) Understand that some people with Asperger’s can be brutally honest, according to the book “Asperger Syndrome and Long-Term Relationships.” The book explains that when talking about reasons for marriage, a person with Asperger’s might say that there is an availability of sex as the main reason, while not including his love of his significant other. Romance can be puzzling to someone with Asperger’s, but again, you will probably see improvement after explaining the meaning behind it, why it’s necessary and that it makes you feel good.
7) If your partner talks in a confusing manner, like in riddles or using complex vocabulary, or doesn’t answer your questions directly, ask him for more clarification. Also, remember not to use riddles, jokes or sarcasm in the same way you would with someone who doesn’t have Asperger’s or autism. If you do, ask if they understood and then explain what you meant. Otherwise, they might be hurt by what you said or just be confused.
8) If your partner has certain quirks, like not wanting to talk on the phone, understand that it may be related to Asperger's. Confront them about the issue if it bothers you, and explain why.

Sources:
http://www.opposingviews.com/i/the-romantic-lives-of-young-adults-with-asperger-s-syndrome
http://www.specialfamilies.com/dating_marriage_&_autism.htm
http://www.amazon.com/Asperger-Syndrome-Long-Term-Relationships-Stanford/dp/1843107341/ref=cm_lmf_tit_3
Abnormal Psychology: An Integrative Approach by David Barlow and V. Mark Durand
http://www.dsm5.org/ProposedRevisions/Pages/proposedrevision.aspx?rid=94

Add a Comment186 Comments

EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

Maybe you dont see 90%. Is it something you dont want to count?

I have an empath. She complains that I do not give her a backrub. I tell her that 75% of the time, If i touch her, she gets irritated.

Then I say 'why dont you just say 'can you rub my back?" or "my back hurts" or even just give me a hint like stretching your neck or something. Her response.. to yell at me.. 'If you loved me you would just know"

and there you go.

Also, She says I contriubute nothing, 100-10% like your situation. She does not count that if she simply requests something, I make it happen, or buy it, simply because she wants it. If she wants it, I make it happen even if I have to work two jobs. Then, of course, she complains that I am not home to watch the kids for her at 6pm.

I will do what I can if she asks but I don't read minds.

July 27, 2018 - 12:47pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

Maybe he sees it the same way 100, him, 10% you.

Are you only counting things you want to see?

May 4, 2018 - 7:21am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I just recently ended a relationship with someone who has Asperger's (I am NT). I would NEVER recommend this to any NT. It is fraught with constant frustration and struggle. Why do this when you can find someone else who is NT and not spend your whole life dealing with basic issues that shouldn't even be such huge problems? WHY do that to yourself needlessly???? This combination is not a progressive, fulfilling relationship. I do believe those with Asperger's are best off finding someone similar, just as NT's are best off finding someone of the same wiring. Birds of a feather, proven for relationship success. Aspie/NT combination is almost always doomed for failure.

August 18, 2017 - 6:40pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

I disagree. You just need to learn how to communicate with them. It helps if you understand what is important to them, and they understand what is important to you.

If you are expecting them to just pick up on it, and know what you want, which they clearly would do if they really loved you, then you are in for a long wait. This is NT thinking.

Come right out and say what you want. They will not get offended. They do not get innuendo and hints.

if something is important to you, then come right out and say it is important to you. They will understand that they need to do some things even if they do not understand why.

Expecting them to read your mind, it is going to be VERY disappointing for you. That is not how they work.

May 4, 2018 - 7:25am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

I've actually been married for twenty years to a man with Aspergers. And while I can say that we've had challenges and struggles (especially since he wasn't diagnosed until 3 years ago), I couldn't love him more. It takes a lot of work to make a marriage like this work, but as long as both parties are willing, and actually do the work, it can be one of the best things that ever happen to you.
I'm sorry that you had such a bad experience, I really am. Just know that it can, and does work out.
I adore my husband and all of his quirks.

August 24, 2017 - 6:06pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

My husband has not been diagnosed, but I do feel he is Asperger, he just has to many systems. I feel he try’s hard to make me happy, but he always thinks I am mad at him any time I get upset. He lives by himself about a 1.5 hours away. Comes home on Thursday evening. Leaves again come Monday. He seems to need his alone time. I do love him very much. Did you get counseling for how to handle his issues? I feel this might help me. If you have any suggestions I would appreciate it.

November 13, 2017 - 12:31pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I am Aspie and so is my boyfriend. While I agree with the advice, I also have to disagree with the assumption that Autism is a mental illness. While we do not have neurotypical brains, we are actually more capable in many situations as those who are. We are more sensitive to stimuli and process more information than the neurotypicals we know. As a female Aspie, I have learned to hide myself quite well, so you would never know I am unless I told you. You can't fake not having a mental illness if you have one. In fact, usually, you are unaware that you have one period. Being different, does not a mental illness make.

July 30, 2017 - 5:11pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

You are so right! I get tired of AS being called an ''illness'! Who's to say the NT's are not the ones with ''issues'' and AS are the normal ones!!!?......I am 50/50 so can see both sides and understand both.......of course there can be a really good NT/AS relationships but just like ALL relationships they take WORK and depends on both the people in the relationship!

April 4, 2019 - 2:58am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I am a 28 year old male just recently self-diagnosed with Asperger's (working on a formal evaluation.) I can say firsthand that this is mostly pretty solid advice, however, there is an all-too-common error in the beginning of the article that contributes to misunderstanding and misinformation. Autism is not a mental disorder or illness. It is categorized most broadly as a pervasive developmental disorder. The difference here is subtle, but key. Mislabeling autistic people as having a mental illness contributes to misperceptions that they are irrational and unstable, or that it can be cured. This is nonsense, as our inherent brain differences are permanent and present from an early age, and generally make us more straightforward and rational than neurotypical or allistic people. To use an analogy, NT people calling autism a mental illness is like a human calling Spock crazy for being consistently logical and honest.

May 14, 2017 - 8:33am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Hi all,
I would like to express my opinion as well without offending someone in particular.(&also to specify that I am not a native English language speaking and hope my message will be understood..I will do my best to be coherent as it is a stressful emotionally period for me ).I will appreciate any advice and opinion.
I have read the article and most of comments, trying to understand myself and the situation that I am in....as I am myself in a relationship with an AS man who does not admit or accept that he might have the As syndrome.
I meet my partner a few years ago and we become good friends, spending a lot of time chatting every almost every day..in 2015 I move with him and things started to get a bit over the top because everything has to be done in a certain way starting with cleaning and the way I was washing dishes and cutting broccoli...nothing that I was doing was right and it has to be done his way. He give me a hard time for more than 6 mounts until I did all he wanted the way he wanted and still continues ...long story short ...
I found out about his syndrome after after speaking with a mental health counsellor when things got a bit over the top because I was questioning him why he is doing certain things because wore affecting our relationship (he meet someone online and he spent 2 mounts hiding with his phone while he was chatting with his new friend that was a psychiatric medic ..he was even chatting while we wore having dinner together and trying to hide his phone ...thinking that he is not doing anything wrong ..sometimes at 2 am in the morning ;when he was refusing to speak with her she was offending me on fbk and that went way too far ....he was yelling at me that he is not doing anything wrong and he just can’t get rid of her ...and other offending words ...his phone is a vital part of his life, is with him at the toilet and in the bathroom ,never around and always changing the password => his obsession ). He is still chatting with her but find new methods to hide it from me...I don’t think he is genuine person as last year she said to him that she was diagnosed with cancer, her husband was beating her and now she has kidney failure ,1 kid but last year she was having 3 ..and telling him that I am a sociopath as I don’t care about her and don’t let him chat with her and he is very upset as he can’t support his friend in this difficult period – he never seen her in her life. How blind can you be in order not to see that all she says are lies? ... It was and still is a very painful period for me as I was feeling betrayed emotionally by the person that I believe was the most amazing man I ever meet. I will try to be short with the rest of the story ....it is annoying to see your partner spending his time with his obsessions especially if that is for other women that he never meet in his life and consider them his friends and keep thousands of sexy-porn pictures with naked muscular women ..I understood that as I consider it his private passion and admiring women from google is not that bad.
I am overwhelmed and in pain emotionally after only 2 years of living with him ....and gathering my straight to leave this relationship and start a new life. I would like to accept him and his obsessions as long those are constructive for him and our relationship ...but being obsessed with women that he never meet in his life and always trying to connect with other ones on fb ..is not that positive. It is more painful after I came from another continent to be with him and this year on Easter time I have been left alone at home while his excuse was that he s not celebrate Easter and I should be telling him that I want to do something for that day. Going out on V day was an issue as well...no friends at all. Not allowed to go out with my friends as he is making me feel guilty that I am not helping him with God knows what and not taking priorities seriously. I would like to say more about this subject but I don’t want to write a little book about it at the moment ).
He was very nice and loving and supporting with him and I really appreciate all he has done for me ...until I started to question his obsessive behaviors about hiding all the time and other online friends.
I love him and I have difficulties leaving the relationship. I am disappointed about me that I have accepted all this and giving so many chances to the relationship ...and disappointed with him and the situation... but all he wants is to make lots of money and be famous and have lots of fun...
Wish you all the best ...

April 20, 2017 - 9:39pm
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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.