Research by:
Laura F. Lewis
University of Vermont

"Online forums and lay literature suggest that partners of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience depression, distress, and trauma in their everyday lives, exacerbated during the time surrounding diagnosis. In this content analysis, 29 participants were provided with an online open-ended statement asking them to describe in writing their experiences of discovering that their partners had ASD during their relationships. Six themes emerged, including: facing unique challenges within relationships; insisting partners seek diagnosis; initial shock and relief; losing hope for normalcy; making accommodations within relationships; and wishing for professional support. Marriage and family therapists should help couples minimize blaming and promote self-awareness, appropriate relationship expectations, and mutual understanding. Future research should explore the overall experience of neuro-mixed relationships for both partners."

Research By: 
Laura Foran Lewis

Abstract: Delayed diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) into adulthood is common, and self-diagnosis is a growing phenomenon. This mixed methods study aimed to explore barriers to formal diagnosis of ASD in adults. In a qualitative strand, secondary analysis of data on the experiences of 114 individuals who were self-diagnosed or formally diagnosed with ASD in adulthood was used to identify barriers. In a quantitative strand, 665 individuals who were self diagnosed or formally diagnosed in adulthood were surveyed online to examine incidence and severity of barriers. Fear of not being believed by professionals was identified as the most frequently occurring and most severe barrier. Professionals must strategize to build trust with individuals with ASD, particularly when examining the accuracy of self-diagnosis.

Many people believe that people who suffer from Asperger’s Syndrome, which is a higher functioning form of autism, cannot feel and do not experience a full range of emotional stimuli. Nothing is further from the truth. People with Asperger’s Syndrome tend to feel things just like anyone else. They may be less apt at expressing those emotions in ways that society has deemed “normal;” however, that does not mean they don’t feel emotion. A particularly strong emotion they are susceptible to is depression, especially in adolescents and young adults.

Autism research group Synapse has put together this helpful fact sheet on Sexuality on the Autism Spectrum.

Gender dysphoria and autism spectrum disorder: A narrative review is published in the Int'l Review of Psychiatry.

This research published in LGBT Health looks into a link between gender dysphoria and autism.